39 pages • 1 hour read
Seamus DeaneReading in the Dark
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.