53 pages • 1 hour read
Ashley Hope PérezOut of Darkness
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015A 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
In East Texas during the 1930s, Naomi Vargas and her half-siblings move to live with their stepfather, Henry, who has a history of abuse and religious fervor. As Naomi navigates school challenges and household duties, she forms a deep bond with Wash Fuller, a kind young man. The novel's climax involves a devastating school explosion and a subsequent violent confrontation, profoundly affecting their lives. Out of Darkness contains themes of sexual abuse, racism, and graphic violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez is critically acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and complex characters. The novel effectively addresses racial and cultural tensions of the 1930s, though some find its depiction of violence disturbing. Praised for its emotional depth and historical accuracy, the book draws strong reader engagement despite its controversial themes.
Who Should Read Out of Darkness?
A reader who would enjoy Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez is likely drawn to emotionally intense, historical fiction with strong character development. Fans of The Book Thief and The Nightingale may appreciate this novel's exploration of love and tragedy amid 1930s racial tensions in Texas. Ideal for those seeking poignant, thought-provoking narratives.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Romance
Realistic Fiction
Identity: Race
Society: Class
Emotions/Behavior: Fear
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Gender / Feminism
Grief / Death