Alice Chadwick's Dark Like Under releases

Chadwick's first novel explores the impact of tragedy through the eyes of school students.

Alice Chadwick's debut captures teenage confusion

In her debut novel, Dark Like Under, Alice Chadwick delves into the aftermath of a teacher's death over a single day. Set in 1980s England, the story unfolds in real-time, featuring characters such as Robin and Jonah who encounter Mr Ardennes shortly before his unexpected demise. The narrative shifts through different perspectives, emphasizing how this tragic event resonates within the school community. Rich sensory descriptions detail the emotional and physical landscape of adolescence, capturing both the overwhelming beauty and the banality of youth. While the novel introduces significant themes, including political nuances of the time, it often leaves deeper explorations on the table, particularly around the circumstances of Mr Ardennes’s death. Despite this, Chadwick effectively portrays the confusion and complexity of teenage emotions in a relatable way.

Chadwick's portrayal of adolescence reveals how deeply personal experiences intertwine with broader societal issues, yet at times, the narrative shies away from fully exploring these connections. The backdrop of the 1980s creates a vivid setting, but it also risks overshadowing the characters' development. Readers may find themselves wanting more investigation into the underlying tensions related to Mr Ardennes's death, signaling an opportunity for future depth in this narrative style. The combination of sensory detail and emotional complexity makes the novel resonate well, although its reluctance to address pressing themes can leave some readers wanting.

Highlights

Chadwick's exploration of teenage life opens the door for deeper discussions about unsaid truths.