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Seamus Deane

Reading in the Dark

Seamus DeaneFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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Seamus Deane

Reading in the Dark

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

246

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Derry, Northern Ireland • 1940s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane follows an unnamed narrator in Derry, Northern Ireland, from the 1940s to the 1970s, as he unravels family secrets, particularly the mystery surrounding his uncle Eddie's disappearance, against the backdrop of political and familial conflict. He faces various challenges and tensions with law enforcement, ultimately isolating him from his family. The book includes themes such as political violence and familial estrangement.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Nostalgic

Dark

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.7

4,657 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane captivates with its lyrical prose and poignant exploration of Irish history through a child's eyes. Critics laud its rich atmosphere and emotional depth but some find the narrative's nonlinear structure disorienting. Overall, it's praised for its evocative storytelling and nuanced portrayal of familial and political tensions.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Reading in the Dark?

Readers who appreciate the lyrical storytelling and historical depth of Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt or the poignant family dynamics in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce will find Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane equally captivating. Ideal for those interested in memory, identity, and Irish history.

3.7

4,657 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

246

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Derry, Northern Ireland • 1940s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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