Afraid of the Dark

by Guyleigh Johnson

Through prose and poetry, Guyleigh Johnson tells the story of sixteen-year-old Kahlua Thomas. An absent father and an alcoholic mother leave Kahlua feeling neglected, but her real pain stems from being black. She finds it hard surviving in a poor neighbourhood and even tougher society. Trapped by her own insecurities, she cannot relate to the person in the mirror. She believes that if she doesn't acknowledge her thick hair, big lips, and dark skin maybe, just maybe, she'll be able to blend in. Yet the lack of diversity, equality, and heritage in her world makes her more intrigued about the black roots she tries to stray away from. With a hard life at home, on the streets, and in school she finds an escape during her grade ten history class through writing poetry. Hiding in the back of the class, she writes, passionately expressing and releasing emotions about identity, home, community, culture, and forgiveness. All Kahlua wants is freedom, whatever that really means.

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2018

Reviews

[Sofia Rocha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book didn’t take me long to finish and it was extremely moving. Normally I don’t read poetry, although I have been reading some books in verse lately. I felt this book made me really understand and respect poetry for what it is. I have to say though I loved the short stories the most and I wish the book were longer. With so few words Guyleigh Johnson has managed so show so much emotion and point out so many issues, it’s unreal. There are many sensitive topics in this book so I would only suggest this for advanced readers, mostly just because of some subject matter and language. Just by looking at the 4 ratings for afraid of the dark on this site and the lack of reviews I can see how under appreciated this work is. I truly don’t know why I don’t recall reading many books by Canadian authors, perhaps I should start searching for them. Overall this was a quick, eye opening read.

There are a few of the lines/poems that really stood out for me-

“Three strikes
No rights
Three strikes
For life
Three strikes is all it takes
White men that rape
Are more free than me”
- three strikes (pg. 27)

“Our minds
Our bodies
Our choices”
- Womine * (pg. 67)

[Raquel Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful imagery and prose that strikes true about injustice, harassment and racism.

[Leasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really made me think of my childhood and not being always protected and listened to and really understood. Amazing read I really recommend