book reviews of How High We Go in the Dark

Book Summary of How High We Go in the Dark

“How High We Go in the Dark” by Sequoia Nagamatsu is a stunning and ambitious novel that spans generations and explores the enduring legacy of humanity in the face of catastrophic loss. Set in a world ravaged by a deadly pandemic, the novel follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives are irrevocably changed by the unfolding crisis. From the survivors struggling to rebuild society in the aftermath of the pandemic to the scientists searching for a cure and the artists grappling with the existential questions raised by the catastrophe, “How High We Go in the Dark” offers a kaleidoscopic view of human resilience, ingenuity, and compassion. As the characters confront their own fears and desires in the shadow of impending doom, Nagamatsu weaves together their stories with breathtaking skill and emotional depth. Through moments of triumph and tragedy, hope and despair, the novel ultimately celebrates the indomitable spirit of humanity and the power of love to transcend even the darkest of times.

Author Intro

Sequoia Nagamatsu

Sequoia Nagamatsu is a visionary writer known for his innovative approach to storytelling and his exploration of complex themes such as identity, memory, and human connection. With a background in speculative fiction and a passion for pushing the boundaries of narrative form, Nagamatsu has established himself as a bold and imaginative voice in contemporary literature. His debut novel, “How High We Go in the Dark,” showcases his talent for blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism to create immersive and thought-provoking narratives that resonate with readers long after they’ve finished the last page.

Book Reviews of How High We Go in the Dark

Sequoia Nagamatsu’s “How High We Go in the Dark” is a breathtaking journey through a world both familiar and utterly transformed by a devastating pandemic. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, Nagamatsu explores the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope in the face of unimaginable loss. From the quiet moments of connection between strangers to the grand gestures of love and sacrifice, each story in this remarkable novel serves as a testament to the strength and ingenuity of humanity. With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and timely themes, “How High We Go in the Dark” is a poignant and unforgettable read that will leave readers contemplating the depths of human emotion long after they’ve turned the final page.

In “How High We Go in the Dark,” Sequoia Nagamatsu presents a poignant and deeply moving exploration of the human experience in the wake of a global catastrophe. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, Nagamatsu skillfully navigates themes of loss, grief, and resilience, inviting readers to contemplate the profound impact of tragedy on the human psyche. While the novel’s nonlinear structure may require some patience and attention to detail, the payoff is well worth the effort, as Nagamatsu’s lyrical prose and nuanced characterizations draw readers into a world both hauntingly familiar and eerily surreal. “How High We Go in the Dark” is a thought-provoking meditation on the fragility of life and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.

While “How High We Go in the Dark” by Sequoia Nagamatsu offers an ambitious exploration of the human condition in the aftermath of a global pandemic, its execution falls short in some areas. The novel’s fragmented structure and shifting perspectives may leave some readers feeling disoriented and disconnected from the characters and their stories. Additionally, Nagamatsu’s prose, while lyrical and evocative, occasionally veers into melodrama, detracting from the emotional impact of the narrative. Despite these flaws, “How High We Go in the Dark” remains a thought-provoking and timely work that raises important questions about resilience, adaptation, and the nature of human connection in the face of existential threats.

Sequoia Nagamatsu’s “How High We Go in the Dark” is a masterfully crafted novel that deftly navigates the complexities of human emotion and existential dread in the wake of a global pandemic. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, Nagamatsu explores themes of loss, longing, and the search for meaning in a world that has been irrevocably altered by tragedy. With its lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and richly drawn characters, “How High We Go in the Dark” is a haunting and unforgettable meditation on the fragility of life and the enduring power of hope. Nagamatsu’s ability to capture the essence of the human experience in all its beauty and sorrow makes this novel a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Best Lines of How High We Go in the Dark

  • “Opportunities are like little seeds floating in the wind. Your life is there. Some people have a big net to collect them all. Other people need to pray that the right seeds, the best ones, make their way to them with just enough bad ones to appreciate the good.”
  • “People have forgotten how to care for each other, for themselves. We can’t expect them to care about the world if they don’t care about what’s in front of them,”
  • “I’ve always been proud of how much my daughter cared about the world. After school she’d study the news, comb the internet for disasters, wars and hate and injustice, write it all down in these color-coded journals. Once, I asked her what she was doing, and she said she was just trying to keep track of it all because it didn’t seem like anybody else noticed or cared that we kept making the same mistakes, that hate in a neighborhood or injustice in a state ran like poison through veins, until another ice shelf collapsed or another animal went extinct. Everything is connected, she’d say. And I’d tell her, You’re only one person and you only have one life.”
  • “sometimes people and places serve a purpose for a finite amount of time to help you think and grow and love and then you move on.”

Leave A Comment

you might also like