Details for 'Let the light in' by Jenny Downham and Louis Hill

Let the light in

by Jenny Downham and Louis Hill
Recommended age: YA
A multi-layered novel which explores the art market as well as grief, love and loss, family, and financial hardship.
Let the light in
by Jenny Downham and Louis Hill
My review:

This is the story of Leah and Charlie, teenagers who are trying to cope with the recent death of their dad and the subsequent depression being experienced by their mum. 

Their choices take them on different paths, both with devastating consequences.

Leah is having an affair with a married man, a gallery owner, ten years her senior. And Charlie, eager to bring respite to his family, takes money from a loan shark with the inevitable result.

On top of all this there's a peek into the art world. What is considered 'good' art? How do you know you're paying a fair price for a piece of work? How much does the story behind an artist and their work contribute to the price, collectability and appreciation of the piece?

It's a compelling read, full of tension. It deals with first love, grief, mental health, poverty and social issues. And the presentation of the art gallery, its customers and the spectre of the mysterious artist 'Pinksy' all make this a powerful and multi-layered novel aimed at older teenage readers. 

Date of my review April 2025
Book publication date: 2nd January 2025