A review by cosmicbookworm
The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips

5.0

I read "The Darkest Child" as part of a group read, and I'm thankful for being introduced to it. It is probably the most traumatizing book I have ever read, but it is also a beautifully written, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking piece of historical fiction.

The story is painful to read, knowing that the fiction mirrors the lived experiences of many. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their struggles are depicted with a raw honesty that makes you feel as if you are right there watching what is happening.

Phillips' writing captures the brutal realities of racism, poverty, and familial abuse without ever losing sight of her characters' resilience and humanity. The inclusion of the first four chapters of the unfinished sequel provides a glimmer of hope for change, though it also hints at the continuing challenges that lie ahead.

'The Darkest Child' is a stark reminder of the injustices that have shaped our history and a testament to the enduring spirit of those who endured them. I highly recommend this book.