The Sacrifice of Darkness by Roxane Gay, Tracy Lynne Oliver, and Rebecca Kirby. Archaia, 2020. 128 p. Ill. ISBN 9781684156245 (hardcover), $24.99.
Emily Decker-Bess, Global Librarian, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah
Reviewed June 14, 2021
The Sacrifice of Darkness, written by Roxanne Gay and Tracy Lynne Oliver, illustrated by Rebecca Kirby, follows both Joshua and Claire’s story about the aftermath of the sun going dark and how the darkness is threatening to engulf their world. The story begins with Hiram Hightower soaring into the sun. Hiram no longer feels joy from his job as a miner since it took away his time with his family and above ground. This overwhelming pressure from the company to work causes him to fly directly into the sun, plunging the world into darkness.
Due to his father’s actions, Joshua, the child of Hiram and his spouse Mara, is an outcast at school. Despite this, Claire befriends Joshua, and, over time, they fall in love. Their story intertwines with Mara and Hiram’s past throughout the book. On the anniversary of the sun’s disappearance, Joshua and his mother fall under deeper scrutiny of the town. One day, the council demands a sacrifice from the Hightowers. However, instead of accepting the darkness closing in further, Joshua and Claire must figure out how to bring the light back to the world.
The color palette flows between the two main narratives in two muted but poignant color schemes. Hiram and Mara’s storyline happens before the darkness and is pink, blue, and purples tones. Joshua and Mara’s colors are yellow, orange, and red and are during the dark phase. Other colors are used in the book, but very sparingly. As the darkness follows one narrative, the lighter hues of the other playoff another, reminding us there is the light between the dark.
This commentary on survival, class, and coming of age is perfect for the collections of academic and public libraries. Due to mature themes throughout the book, it is recommended for 18 and up.