The Other Side of Night by Adam Hamdy is by far the most enlightening novel I have read thus far in 2022. Hamdy’s writing style is so profound, and as I was reading this novel, I just knew I was reading something worthwhile. What makes this novel such a gem is that all of our perceptions as we start this novel are dashed as we continue to read. Nothing is what it appears. I feel that is the beauty of this read, for how Hamdy crafted this story was beyond incredible.
When I received this novel, there was a press release with it, and it said the less the reader knows going into the novel the better. I will say, that was the most unique press release I have ever seen! But, I will give you all just a little bit of background to scratch that itch.
Harriet Kealty is a disgraced former police officer, and she spends her days trying to clear her name. One day, as she purses through a bookstore, she comes across a second hand book with a chilling note penned on one of the pages. As Harriet tries to discern who wrote this, she comes across the information of a woman who died recently, and whose body has gone missing. Come to find out, her husband has committed suicide...his body has yet to be found as well. The couple have left their 10 year old son orphaned, who is now under the guardianship of Harriet’s once love, Ben Elmys. As Harriet digs into the death of this mother and father, Ben is woven tightly into this family's history, and he may have had something to do with this couple's death. In the center of it all, there is the 10 year old son, Elliot. Is he safe?
This novel was so beautifully written. I am just floored by Hamdy’s writing style. It is so poetic and graceful. Hamdy plays all the right notes throughout to orchestrate such a heartbreaking tail. He also poses such an existential question that will leave the reader pondering it for some time. I just can't get over this man's ability to craft a beautiful story. Just as a heads up to the reader, be prepared to shed some tears. I was a blubbering mess at the end of this novel! Do not, under any circumstances, miss this novel. It is a one in a million read, and it will stay with me for some time.
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Purchase The Other Side Of Night
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Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
