Somewhere around eight years ago I read David Joy’s ’Where All Light Tends to Go’ and it has remained one of those books that I’ve weighed others against in this genre. While I’ve loved his other books in the years since, none has made me even question that. Until now.

Four months and a few days ago, I saw a tweet by Joy apologizing to his readers, saying, in part: “Sorry it took me so long.” Believe me when I say it was worth the wait.

Set in North Carolina, this doesn’t include a lot of descriptive scenes of violence, although there are moments that allude to events that took place. At its heart, this is a story of love. Not romantic love, but love of a place, and the people there who are filled with love, not hate, with a hope for a better future.

This story revolves around a young black female artist, whose art isn’t necessarily the kind of art you’d hang on your wall. It is a statement, perhaps one that not all will love, but it is one that will make others think. It is a work of art from her soul, a tribute to these souls that are no longer living, including her third-great-grandfather and her third-great-grandmother, and the other seventeen people who were in the same photo in a copy of an old newspaper, standing together in front of a church. This is a tribute to them.



Pub Date: 01 Aug 2023

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Throughly enjoyed this book. It has believable characters and an involving plot. A book that could be recommended to many different types of customers.