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  • Today, "Surround the night" by Leila Mottley published on August 17, 2022 by Éditions Albin Michel.

Musemanias Books, contributor to the

20 Minutes

Books reading group, recommends

Surveying the night

by Leila Mottley, published on August 17, 2022 by Éditions Albin Michel.


His favorite quote:

“Death is easier to live with when you don't see it”.


Why this book?

  • Because it's the first book of the literary

    season that I read and wow, what a punchy novel, dark and current, but oh so powerful, hypnotizing, intelligent, carried by a pen that I would simply describe as sublime!

  • Because this book is inspired by a real news item

    and the author's way of transcribing the feelings of her protagonists, although poetic, is strikingly realistic.

  • Because its endearing characters

    will mark with a hot iron.

    You will not be able to remain indifferent to what you read, even if it is fiction.

  • Because Leila Mottley, its author, started

    writing when she was not even of age: at the age of 17.

    However, the strength and character of his writing make you think you are facing a more than confirmed writer.

  • For a first novel, the talent

    of the author

    is undeniable and transports you over the words.

    Leila Mottley is a name that I encourage you to remember for the next few years because it is certain that we are facing one of the contemporary American feathers in full flight.


The essentials in 2 minutes

The plot.

A 17-year-old African-American, Kiara has lived in Oakland with her brother Marcus since their mother was sent to a rehabilitation center.

While Marcus dreams of becoming a rapper, Kiara carries her daily survival on her frail shoulders and, faced with a looming expulsion, will plunge into the murky world of prostitution.

Characters.

Kiara Johnson and her brother Marcus mainly, but also their little neighbor Trevor or Kiara's best friend, Alé, among others.

Even the secondary characters hold a prominent place in their ways in the story.

Places.

Oakland, California, USA.

The time.

Contemporary.

The author.

Originally from Oakland, Leila Mottley is a 19-year-old author and poet who uses her writing to challenge gender and racial inequality.

She tackles difficult subjects in her poetry as well as in this first novel,

Arpenter la nuit

.

This book was

simply read with admiration.

Kiara is a heroine who marked me and who will remain in my mind for a long time.

I wish all the best to this novel which very much deserves to be discovered, read and appreciated for its accuracy and shimmering intensity.

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  • Adolescence

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