There is a glaring contrast between the brutal ugliness of this storyline and the beauty of the Author’s writing, which makes for a captivating read. Author David Joy, a native of Charlotte, NC, offers a visceral experience in “Where All The Light Tends To Go” that immerses readers into a world where despair and hope collide.

The Author introduces us to Jacob McNeely, a young man ensnared in the inescapable web of his father’s criminal empire. The novel paints a vivid portrait of a community steeped in poverty, addiction, and desperation. Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, Joy easily brings the region’s rugged beauty to life, creating a rich tapestry of darkness and light.

The protagonist, Jacob, is a complex character who grapples with the choices that define him and seeks redemption in a world where salvation seems like a distant dream. As readers accompany Jacob through the pages, they are confronted with the grim realities of his existence, forcing them to question the thin line between right and wrong.

Joy’s prose is as raw and unyielding as the landscape he describes, and he has this ability to make the reader feel the weight of every decision, every betrayal, and every glimmer of hope.

At its core, “Where All The Light Tends To Go” is a tale of contrasts – the struggle between darkness and light, despair and redemption, love and loss. Joy delves into the human condition with unflinching honesty, exploring themes of family, loyalty, and the search for identity in a world that often seems devoid of mercy.

The novel unfolds like a noir masterpiece, keeping readers on edge as the reader navigates through the murky depths of Jacob’s world. 

In the end, “Where All The Light Tends To Go” is more than just a book; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. David Joy has crafted a masterpiece that explores the darkest corners of the soul while holding onto the belief that, somewhere, light still tends to go.

I highly recommend you go get this book; you won’t be disappointed.