A Wish in the Dark

A Wish in the Dark follows a young boy named Pong who escapes from Namwon Prison in the city of Chattana, where he was born and raised. The city exists in darkness except for magical orbs of light created and controlled by the Governor, who maintains power through this monopoly on light. The story centers on Pong's journey after his escape, as he finds refuge with monks but must continue to hide his prison tattoo that marks him as a fugitive. When Nok, the former prison warden's daughter, recognizes him, she pursues him with determination to restore her family's honor. The pursuit leads both characters back to Chattana, where they become entangled in growing social unrest over the Governor's control of light and the stark inequality between citizens who can afford it and those who cannot. Their paths converge as they each confront questions about justice, power, and what it means to do what is right. This Thai-inspired retelling of Les Misérables explores themes of light versus darkness - both literal and metaphorical - while examining social inequality, redemption, and the complexity of justice through the eyes of its young protagonists.

Readers consistently highlight the Thai-inspired fantasy world, the moral complexity, and themes of inequality and justice. The atmospheric Bangkok-like setting draws frequent mentions in reviews. Readers appreciated: - Strong character development for both protagonists - Nuanced exploration of privilege and power - Integration of Thai culture and mythology - Age-appropriate handling of social issues - The unique magic system involving light Common criticisms: - Pacing feels slow in the middle sections - Some found the ending too neat and predictable - Secondary characters could use more depth Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (280+ ratings) BookPage: 5/5 Sample reader quote: "The world-building is phenomenal - you can feel the humidity, smell the market stalls, and see the glowing lights." - Goodreads reviewer Common comparison: Readers frequently describe it as a middle-grade reimagining of Les Misérables.

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🔸 "Les Misérables," the novel that inspired this book, was written by Victor Hugo and published in 1862, with its original manuscript consisting of 1,500 pages written with quill pens. 🔸 Christina Soontornvat worked as a science educator at the California Science Center before becoming an author, bringing her scientific background into many of her works. 🔸 Thailand's prison system, which influences the setting of Namwon Prison in the book, has undergone significant reforms in recent years, including innovative programs like prison massage parlors operated by inmates. 🔸 Traditional Thai illuminated festivals, particularly Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, feature thousands of floating lanterns that may have inspired the magical light elements in the story. 🔸 The book won a 2021 Newbery Honor, making Soontornvat the first Thai-American author to receive this prestigious children's literature recognition.