The Dark Inside

Do you believe in monsters? I love when an author asks their readers big questions, and this richly rewarding book certainly does; challenging you to think deeply about the human condition. Whenever his stepfather becomes abusive, thirteen year old James escapes to a deserted house on the outskirts of town, marking the remaining days until hes old enough to leave home on a wall. Its there one day he meets a drifter, Webster, an ex-soldier. He discovers that Webster has been cursed and the pair go on a journey to find a cure.
It is a desperate race against the waxing moon and from the travellers, who want to use Webster and his supernatural powers for their own ends. It is also a spiritual journey, as along the way they meet other damaged souls searching for answers; people like them, cursed by grief and loss.
Whether Webster does become a monster is left very ambiguous; it is up to the reader to decide whether Webster is suffering from post-combat stress or if his imaginings are real. But there is no doubt about the magical powers of the sinister old traveller woman, Esther.
Events reach a climax with Webster rescuing James from the clutches of Esther and Billy, and releasing James from the curse in an act of self-sacrifice. It ends with hope and with the redemptive power of love and forgiveness, as James reconciles with his stepfather and is able to face his inner darkness.
This is a beautifully written book which will stay with you long after you have finished it. It would make a fantastic class reader not just for the many topics and issues it touches on, but for an appreciation of the writers style. 360 pages / Ages 11+ / Reviewed by Alison stn, librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+

The Dark Inside is a sinister, compelling read that I could not put down. The two main characters, Webster and Jamie, meet by chance and then embark on a journey to try and find a cure for Webster's 'curse'. They are relentlessly pursued by a gypsy fairground owner and his horrifying mother who performs dark magic to control them and anyone who helps them. The book is beautifully written and there are moments of pure love from strangers, which also brings joy into their lives, as it seems most of the characters have been touched by grief. Webster's darkness from his time and experience in the war is aided and lightened by his friendship with Jamie, as is Jamie's grief helped by the support of several caring adults. However the 'curse' dominates both Webster and the story with a surprising ending that I think some younger readers may find disturbing. I found the gypsy mother to be one of the most frightening and sinister characters I have read about. She managed to be almost completely without morals whilst at the same time showing a great love and caring nature for her own son. The book overall touches on so many emotions and is well worth the read. 368 pages / Ages 13+ / Reviewed by Lorraine Ansell, librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 11+