Author: Paul Pen
Translator: Simon Bruni
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Goodreads
A haunting and hopeful tale of discovering light in even the darkest of places.
For his whole life, the boy has lived underground, in a basement with his parents, grandmother, sister, and brother. Before he was born, his family was disfigured by a fire. His sister wears a white mask to cover her burns.
He spends his hours with his cactus, reading his book on insects, or touching the one ray of sunlight that filters in through a crack in the ceiling. Ever since his sister had a baby, everyone’s been acting very strangely. The boy begins to wonder why they never say who the father is, about what happened before his own birth, about why they’re shut away.
A few days ago, some fireflies arrived in the basement. His grandma said, There’s no creature more amazing than one that can make its own light. That light makes the boy want to escape, to know the outside world. Problem is, all the doors are locked. And he doesn’t know how to get out.
My Thoughts
The Light of the Fireflies is a thriller with a unique point of view that had me hooked from the first chapter.
The Plot: A bit of mystery and a few twists make up this amazing plot. The reader is left without information since most of the story is told in first person from the point of view of a young boy without context for the world other than their apartment. There is a sense of dread from the unknown that results. The story has a large flashback section that is used to reveal certain information.
The Characters: The Light of the Fireflies is filled with fascinating characters that the reader continues to learn more and more about all throughout the novel. They were neither likeable or unlikable but rather complicated and complex due to the situation they are put in.
The Setting: How does one make a single small basement apartment interesting? This novel played up on the claustrophobic feelings never leaving these close quarters would have on a family. Paul Pen described how dark and dingy the apartment was while leaving the reading feeling as if something isn't right.
Writing Style: The perspective of the boy was done wonderfully. The innocence, naivete, and imagination of childhood was wonderful in the writing. Simon Bruni's translation seemed to flow very well.
What I didn't like:
There wasn't much I didn't like about this novel. I would say that it may not be for everyone. There are very tough topics like abuse and incest involved. They did not bother me though.
Final Thoughts:
The Light of the Fireflies by Paul Pen is a smart and unique take on the thriller that left me guessing and wondering throughout. It was full of family drama and dark secrets that kept me wanting more.
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