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The Cold Hard Light
The Cold Hard Light is a spare and bracing literary debut that tells the story of a new father who falls into the grip of obsession.
The novel begins when the man who assaulted Andrew Harrison's sister is released from prison. Benjamin Williams was barely more than a kid when he was sentenced to eleven years, but it is impossible to know what he has become since. Andrew, nicknamed H, is compelled to learn for himself when his uncle Billy hands him a gun and says to go find the man. As H's interest in Williams grows, he struggles to keep his world in balance. His hockey career has stalled, his girlfriend suffers from postpartum depression that is neither understood nor diagnosed, and the allure of vengeance threatens to erase his moral self.
Set in present-day Boston, The Cold Hard Light explores the drama of modern American urban life, where the poor work gig jobs that cater to the rich, where race can be weaponized, guns are treated like toys, and the desire to blame others trumps the need to understand them. These forces and more weigh upon the characters in this crystalline novel, hurtling them toward an irrevocable conclusion.
The novel begins when the man who assaulted Andrew Harrison's sister is released from prison. Benjamin Williams was barely more than a kid when he was sentenced to eleven years, but it is impossible to know what he has become since. Andrew, nicknamed H, is compelled to learn for himself when his uncle Billy hands him a gun and says to go find the man. As H's interest in Williams grows, he struggles to keep his world in balance. His hockey career has stalled, his girlfriend suffers from postpartum depression that is neither understood nor diagnosed, and the allure of vengeance threatens to erase his moral self.
Set in present-day Boston, The Cold Hard Light explores the drama of modern American urban life, where the poor work gig jobs that cater to the rich, where race can be weaponized, guns are treated like toys, and the desire to blame others trumps the need to understand them. These forces and more weigh upon the characters in this crystalline novel, hurtling them toward an irrevocable conclusion.
- GenresFiction
169 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
2323 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 12, 2022
A dark tale indeed, this one. A working class man, known to everyone as simply H, learns that the man who raped his sister, then aged 15, has been released from jail. The news is delivered to H by his uncle, a dislikable character who also supplies a gun with his unspoken message that H should do the right thing and murder this man.
H is a semi-professional ice hockey player and his unfulfilled ambitions, his inability to make the big time, are a nagging, enervating presence in his life. He has a girlfriend who he has a complicated relationship with and a baby daughter he’s still learning how to relate to. Isn’t his life already complicated enough?
The book doesn’t follow the path I thought it would, which is a big plus, and there are some fantastic passages of dialogue too, another box ticked. But some sections seem to ramble on and I found myself disengaging from the narrative from time to time. I liked H, but I couldn’t put myself in his shoes. Perhaps that’s the fault of me, the reader, or maybe it’s the writer who doesn’t quite get me there. I’m honestly not sure.
I listened to an audio version, very well read by Chris Andrew Ciulla. If you like your fiction broody and unpredictable then this one might be worth trying out. It’s a short read/listen and there’s enough here to suggest the author is one to keep an eye on.
My thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
H is a semi-professional ice hockey player and his unfulfilled ambitions, his inability to make the big time, are a nagging, enervating presence in his life. He has a girlfriend who he has a complicated relationship with and a baby daughter he’s still learning how to relate to. Isn’t his life already complicated enough?
The book doesn’t follow the path I thought it would, which is a big plus, and there are some fantastic passages of dialogue too, another box ticked. But some sections seem to ramble on and I found myself disengaging from the narrative from time to time. I liked H, but I couldn’t put myself in his shoes. Perhaps that’s the fault of me, the reader, or maybe it’s the writer who doesn’t quite get me there. I’m honestly not sure.
I listened to an audio version, very well read by Chris Andrew Ciulla. If you like your fiction broody and unpredictable then this one might be worth trying out. It’s a short read/listen and there’s enough here to suggest the author is one to keep an eye on.
My thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2023
First read with the author and really enjoyed it
September 8, 2022
I’m sorry to say that this book just didn’t work for me. I think it was the narrative but I found the plot dragged and I had a difficult time staying engaged. For some reason, the M c’s name H bothered me. Who calls a person H? Regardless I was expecting a story with more action but instead found too much dialogue and introspection. More character driven than plot driven. For these reasons I never really connected to the story or characters.
It is a dark foray into various themes such as mental illness, self-identity, class and so on. I think other readers who are drawn to bleak character driven stories might enjoy this book more than I did.
The audio narration was just okay in my opinion. The narrator’s voice fit the nature of the book well but was a bit too one note for my liking.
Thank you to publisher and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
It is a dark foray into various themes such as mental illness, self-identity, class and so on. I think other readers who are drawn to bleak character driven stories might enjoy this book more than I did.
The audio narration was just okay in my opinion. The narrator’s voice fit the nature of the book well but was a bit too one note for my liking.
Thank you to publisher and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2022
A short book, The Cold Hard Light is a well written, literary novel trying to fit onto the crime fiction shelf. The ending had a decent twist, which was good, but it was a very slow burn getting there and I did find it hard to keep my attention focused on reading. I had to go back and reread paragraphs. Still, I enjoyed the book and thought it was worthwhile reading.
August 4, 2022
I was given an arc of this audio book in return for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers.
I really enjoyed this novel, it’s fairly short, therefore difficult to do it enough justice in a review without adding spoilers. The narration is absolutely excellent. I’m not convinced I was supposed to love H but I absolutely did. Modern, smart and disturbingly brutal! Excellent!
Synopsis
The Cold Hard Light is a spare and bracing literary debut that tells the story of a new father who falls into the grip of obsession.
The novel begins when the man who assaulted Andrew Harrison's sister is released from prison. Benjamin Williams was barely more than a kid when he was sentenced to eleven years, but it is impossible to know what he has become since. Andrew, nicknamed H, is compelled to learn for himself when his uncle Billy hands him a gun and says to go find the man. As H's interest in Williams grows, he struggles to keep his world in balance. His hockey career has stalled, his girlfriend suffers from postpartum depression that is neither understood nor diagnosed, and the allure of vengeance threatens to erase his moral self.
Set in present-day Boston, The Cold Hard Light explores the drama of modern American urban life, where the poor work gig jobs that cater to the rich, where race can be weaponized, guns are treated like toys, and the desire to blame others trumps the need to understand them. These forces and more weigh upon the characters in this crystalline novel, hurtling them toward an irrevocable conclusion.
I really enjoyed this novel, it’s fairly short, therefore difficult to do it enough justice in a review without adding spoilers. The narration is absolutely excellent. I’m not convinced I was supposed to love H but I absolutely did. Modern, smart and disturbingly brutal! Excellent!
Synopsis
The Cold Hard Light is a spare and bracing literary debut that tells the story of a new father who falls into the grip of obsession.
The novel begins when the man who assaulted Andrew Harrison's sister is released from prison. Benjamin Williams was barely more than a kid when he was sentenced to eleven years, but it is impossible to know what he has become since. Andrew, nicknamed H, is compelled to learn for himself when his uncle Billy hands him a gun and says to go find the man. As H's interest in Williams grows, he struggles to keep his world in balance. His hockey career has stalled, his girlfriend suffers from postpartum depression that is neither understood nor diagnosed, and the allure of vengeance threatens to erase his moral self.
Set in present-day Boston, The Cold Hard Light explores the drama of modern American urban life, where the poor work gig jobs that cater to the rich, where race can be weaponized, guns are treated like toys, and the desire to blame others trumps the need to understand them. These forces and more weigh upon the characters in this crystalline novel, hurtling them toward an irrevocable conclusion.
October 24, 2022
What I liked about it- it was short.
This one really didn't get my interest, so it didn't even have the opportunity to hold it. Rambling obsession, hockey, driving, and the baby. That is this story. I have no idea what the point was.
No complaints about the audiobook narrator.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This one really didn't get my interest, so it didn't even have the opportunity to hold it. Rambling obsession, hockey, driving, and the baby. That is this story. I have no idea what the point was.
No complaints about the audiobook narrator.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2022
When his uncle informs H that the rapist who attacked his sister has been released from prison and then hands him a gun, I knew that Cold Hard Light was going to be gripping and different.
Author Christopher Amenta’s characterization is compelling. The characters are not necessarily likable, but one can’t help but wish they could catch a break and see some improvement in their lives. This contributes to the painting of their bleak lives. The main character, Andrew Harrison (AKA “H”) is a semi-professional hockey player at the tail end of his career. I supposed his “profession” is meant to characterize him as having a tendency toward violence, or perhaps it is his impoverished state that the author wants us to believe would give him these tendencies. While I enjoyed the author’s writing, I vacillate as to whether or not his characterization--whether realistic or sympathetic-- could be construed as trite and stereotypical or realistic and thought-provoking.
The Cold Hard Light is character driven, so if you need a lot of action, this book is probably not for you. It will appeal to readers who appreciate heavy introspection, social commentary. Mr. Amenta’s writing is noteworthy. It is clean, crisp and subtle. I love a book that leaves me with questions instead of all the answers.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Author Christopher Amenta’s characterization is compelling. The characters are not necessarily likable, but one can’t help but wish they could catch a break and see some improvement in their lives. This contributes to the painting of their bleak lives. The main character, Andrew Harrison (AKA “H”) is a semi-professional hockey player at the tail end of his career. I supposed his “profession” is meant to characterize him as having a tendency toward violence, or perhaps it is his impoverished state that the author wants us to believe would give him these tendencies. While I enjoyed the author’s writing, I vacillate as to whether or not his characterization--whether realistic or sympathetic-- could be construed as trite and stereotypical or realistic and thought-provoking.
The Cold Hard Light is character driven, so if you need a lot of action, this book is probably not for you. It will appeal to readers who appreciate heavy introspection, social commentary. Mr. Amenta’s writing is noteworthy. It is clean, crisp and subtle. I love a book that leaves me with questions instead of all the answers.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
August 29, 2022
This one had me shaking my head. First I thought, okay, I liked it and then I though eh, it was just okay. H's sister was raped and her rapist was sent to prison but now is getting out. When H's uncle comes to him and gives him a gun and tells him he needs to "take care" of the situation he is left with a quandary. First, he has a new family and his girlfriend is struggling with being a new mom and his baby daughter is a newborn. His hockey career, what there is of it, has pretty much deteriorated and he is driving his beat-up car as a taxi. He starts to follow this guy but the more he learns about him the more he doesn't know what to do. Twists and turn and rich versus poor, I'm not sure what the author was trying to tell us in this one.
**Received this ARC in audio for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
**Received this ARC in audio for review from the publisher via NetGalley**
September 15, 2022
An insightful and empathetic exploration of one man’s psychological disintegration. Benjamin Williams once assaulted Andrew Harrison’s teenage sister and was put away for 11 years. He has now been released, and Andrew, known as H, becomes increasingly and dangerously obsessed with the man, not least after his uncle hands him a gun and puts the idea of revenge into his head. H’s life is already in disarray after his ice hockey career seems to be coming to an end, and his relationship with his partner after the birth of their child is also crumbling. It’s a harsh, bleak and disturbing novel and the trajectory of H’s obsession convincingly portrayed. I found it a real page-turner, excellently written, well-paced and with authentic dialogue and characterisation. A great read.
August 5, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a little challenging to follow at the beginning, but as it progressed it got somewhat easier to follow. It is a very bleak and sad telling of life of lower class America and is somewhat depressing. Throughout you cannot help, but feel so bad for all of the characters and wish they would catch a break in life.
This book was a little challenging to follow at the beginning, but as it progressed it got somewhat easier to follow. It is a very bleak and sad telling of life of lower class America and is somewhat depressing. Throughout you cannot help, but feel so bad for all of the characters and wish they would catch a break in life.
May 29, 2023
A powerful read that begins as a simmer and grows to a rolling boil that will not let you go. Amenta provides a fresh perspective in crime writing focusing on the aftermath with characters that evoke both sympathy and understanding as they navigate family, trauma, and how to live their best lives while caring for those they love. A notable debut that makes this reader keep watch to see where Amenta's talent will take us next. - Pia D.
August 4, 2023
There's something in the style of writing that makes this book hard to put down. It's dark though--best for those interested in stories where characters have dug themselves into complex situations with real consequences. By avoiding unearned plot devices that might rescue characters from the fates they've drawn, The Cold Hard Light offers a more realistic portrait of this setup and ultimately provokes more thought from the reader.
August 25, 2025
The book went in all directions and none at all. There were half-baked ideas and plots that didn’t carry throughout the novel, and it was hard to identify what the intention of each characters or plot point served. Midway through the novel, the story climaxed, but it didn’t go anyway. There were interesting pieces in Williams’ monologue, but H never seemed to grasp some of the core themes the book seemingly conveyed.
September 7, 2022
A layered story, engaging our moral compass. The complexity of human character is brought forward in The Cold Hard Light, challenging the reader to confront their own instincts and decisions.
I enjoyed the prose surrounding H’s relationship to Christine and Jo.
A quick read that surprises the reader and makes you want to discuss with friends and fellow readers.
I enjoyed the prose surrounding H’s relationship to Christine and Jo.
A quick read that surprises the reader and makes you want to discuss with friends and fellow readers.
July 31, 2022
When I heard about this debut novel from a local Boston author I quickly preordered it. It’s a quick read, but one that I know will stay with me for a long time. Equal parts breathtaking and heartbreaking. Highly recommend!
March 29, 2023
Add to your book club reading list!
Will your group align on character development, or the a-ha moment? The discussion around both make The Cold Hard Light a great addition to your book club reading list!
Will your group align on character development, or the a-ha moment? The discussion around both make The Cold Hard Light a great addition to your book club reading list!
January 28, 2023
Such a gripping read. I loved the characters and could have stayed with them for 200 more pages. Can’t wait for the next one from Christopher Amenta.
March 2, 2024
Written in a cool way. Want more like it
August 28, 2022
Want to read because: GrubStreet grad and the main character is/was a hockey player.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews