How to Find Your Way in the Dark: The powerful and epic coming-of-age story from the author of Norwegian By Night

How to Find Your Way in the Dark is a coming-of-age story set during the rising tide of World War II, it follows Sheldon Horowitz from his humble start in a cabin in rural Massachusetts, through the trauma of his father's murder and the murky experience of assimilation in Hartford, Connecticut, to the birth of stand-up comedy in the Catskills all while he and his friends are beset by anti-Semitic neighbours, employers, and criminals. Twelve-year-old Sheldon Horowitz is still recovering from the tragic loss of his mother only a year ago when a suspicious traffic accident steals the life of his father near their home in rural Massachusetts. It is 1938, and Sheldon, who was in the truck, emerges from the crash an orphan hell-bent on revenge. He takes that fire with him to Hartford, where he embarks on a new life under the roof of his buttoned-up Uncle Nate.Sheldon, his teenage cousins Abe and Mirabelle, and his best friend, Lenny, will contend with tradition and orthodoxy, appeasement and patriotism, mafia hitmen and angry accordion players, all while World War II takes centre stage alongside a hurricane in New England and comedians in the Catskills. With his eye always on vengeance for his father’s murder, Sheldon stakes out his place in a world he now understands is comprised largely of crimes: right and wrong, big and small. This is a compelling and thought-proving read highlighting the power of human connection and does so not only with rich insight but humour, too. It's a terrific bildungsroman and a darkly entertaining tale in which you cannot help championing survivor Sheldon as he continues through his life. A searing, touching and absorbing exploration of Jewish discrimination in WWII America. Highly recommended.

This is my second Derek B Miller book, and I suspect it won't be my last, he is one of the finest writers I have ever come across. The central story, although engaging, is not what grabs the reader, rather it is the wonderful characters and amazing diologue, these are real people, having real conversations, and doing what great literature should always do, giving a new perspective on subjects we take for granted, or don't really think about.An absolute joy of a book, I didn't want it to end, but luckily there is a sequel to keep me happy. I cannot wait.If you are thinking of buying this book, just do it, you will love it. I promise.