Revview: A Small Free Kiss In The Dark by Glenda Millard

     

Title: A Small Free Kiss In The Dark
Author: Glenda Millard
Series: None
Pages: 218
Publisher: Templar Publishing 
Release Date: May 1st 2011 (UK)
Source: For review
Rating: 3 stars

Two young boys, an old tramp, a beautiful teenage dancer, and the girl's baby--ragtag survivors of a sudden war--form a fragile family, hiding out in the ruins of an amusement park. As they scavenge for good, diapers, and baby formula, they must stay out of sight of vicious gangs and lawless soldiers. At first they rely on Billy, the only adult in the group. But as civil life deteriorates, Billy starts to fall apart. Skip, who is barely into his teens, must take over and lead them on a search for sanctuary. This complex and haunting exploration of life on the edge and what it takes to triumph over adversity is a story about the indomitable nature of hope.

A Small Free Kiss In The Dark is a sweet book about a boy who doesn't have a place in the world but finds a place under extraordinary circumstances.


Skip, a young boy narrates the story. He has an innocent yet tainted view of life, making his narration seem very sincere. He is sweet and kind and I grew attached to him. Billy, his older companion is sweet too and their relationship is very touching.


The plot was a little slow and not much seemed to happen. The book focused more on a child's view on the world during war and his interactions with people. It isn't fast paced or active. It is mellow and slow, unravelling slowly, discovering more about the characters with each turn of the page. 


The ending was sad but a perfect ending to the book. It summed up the world they were living in. Devastation with a little hope.


The book wasn't hugely memorable and at times hard to get into. That being said if you are looking for a book based on characters and don't mind a slow plot then I'm sure you will enjoy this!