Reviewed by An Open Bookshelf
TW: this book features a relationship with a minor/child sexual abuse
Told through two acts, A Light in the Dark is a compulsive coming-of-age novel, with the first act following Iris throughout high school as she finds her passion for musical theatre. When Nina, a shy and self-conscious student in Iris’ year receives the attention and praise from her male drama teacher that Iris so desperately craves, jealousy and bitterness take over. Transitioning to Act Two, we see Iris in her final years of university, consumed by grief and the sickening realisation that there was more to Nina’s life than she knew.
Richards transports us back to high school, with the chaos of school productions and the ruthless competitiveness it can bring, as well as the cliques and popularity contests. Set over the same time as my own high school years, I found this setting easy to connect with, bringing back my own memories at this age. I was drawn to Richards’ exploration of how passion can teeter into obsession and jealousy, especially in adolescence when those emotions are heightened, and Iris’ internal battle with controlling these emotions. Iris’ questionable actions and
mistreatment of others follows her into Act Two, this time intensified during a period of grief. She’s a challenging character to tolerate, but I think this is where Richards’ ability to write such complex, conflicting characters shines, particularly with Iris’ development over Act Two.
With a title like ‘A Light in the Dark’, it’s probably not surprising that the story takes us to some heavy and difficult places. It explores power imbalances and abuse, and the complex responses to trauma and grief. While it wasn’t always an easy read, Richards delivers the light through the ecstasy of musical theatre and female friendship.
Having adored Richards’ debut, Small Joys of Real Life, and now A Light in the Dark, I’m guaranteed to read anything she writes – I’m already holding out for more of her writing.
Rating: 4/5
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