OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hard Light" by Davin Jake Douma.]

In Hard Light, Davin Jake Douma presents the reader with a personal account of his experiences as an incarcerated man. At the very beginning, in the emotive foreword written by the author’s step-father, we learn that Douma killed a person when he was just a teenager and was sentenced to life in prison. The author uses the first person to tell an authentic, autobiographical tale of the hardships he endured while locked up.

The story takes place in an Oklahoma prison, right in the middle of the desert, where the 45-year-old protagonist narrates events that take place during a couple of months. Davin starts with the description of a dreadful scene in which he is laying in the dirt with a huge cut across his abdomen after being attacked by other prisoners. He then goes back in time and recounts the chain of events that took place during the two months leading to the assault.

A good part of the book consists of the author’s detailed description of poker games, which he says is one of the central themes in his life. I found these parts to be slightly dull, especially for readers who don’t play poker. Additionally, numerous nicknames of his fellow inmates are cited, which makes the plot somewhat scattered – a noteworthy negative point. In fact, the author superficially mentions more than thirty characters throughout the book. On the other hand, I enjoyed the way he narrates his nightmares and reflects on their meaning, giving us a fleeting glimpse of his inner dilemmas – a noteworthy positive point.

Hard Light is not a story for faint hearts. The author openly admits he romanticized death and violence as a kid and that he did kill a man in cold blood. He also states that he had his share of fights in prison. I was particularly intrigued by an episode where he threatens another prisoner just to scare him off – for he “knew Rusty wasn't willing to go that far” – and then feels happy about how his bluff worked. I was a bit troubled by the frivolous reasons why they fight, which seemed astonishingly petty to me, but no spoilers are allowed!

Lastly, I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. It is fairly well edited, with just a few errors. I am taking a star away because the plot seemed scattered, with numerous shallow characters, and an overly detailed and lengthy narration of poker games. I think the book will appeal to readers who enjoy realistic, prison-based dramas. It might not be a good read for those who are put off by violence.

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Hard Light
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Thank you for this review! It is extremely well-written. I find it interesting that the author had these experiences and was able to express them to an audience through this novel.

This book might be interesting from the prisoner's psychology studying point of view. Not quit something I would read only because I don't like the prison theme, but the book is definitely worth checking out as a realistic drama. Thank you for the review!

The writing and organization of your review is something I aspire to! While I'm always down for a good prison story, I think the poker scenes and the random characters would be enough to pull me out of the narrative. Thanks for the advice!

Davin's psychopathic inner being finally finding a way out ,across the thin line from fantasy-land -the plot is nothing short of amazing!The first person narrative under these circumstances is exciting,it gives the reader a peek into the criminal mind.I find your review superb,it is so concise yet appealing.

This isn't one for me. I'm not interested in prison life or reading the story of a man that admits to murdering someone. I'm glad you were able to get some enjoyment out of it, though. Thanks.

This reminds me of the TV series Orange is the New Black. I don't know how people can live like that or think that way. Good review!

This is a fabulous review - I agree with you, the details (especially the sections on the numerous poker games) didn't work for me.

While not a book I would normally choose, you did a great job of selling it!

This book could really benefit a young person who is making bad choices. To read a prisoner's real-life experiences, it could deter troubled youth from continuing down a destructive path.

It might be interesting to find out about his inner dilemmas to see what kind of direction his thinking is taking after his time in prison. You have done an excellent job of portraying this book. Thanks for the recommendation.

Janelle Juncos wrote: ↑13 Apr 2019, 07:15 The writing and organization of your review is something I aspire to! While I'm always down for a good prison story, I think the poker scenes and the random characters would be enough to pull me out of the narrative. Thanks for the advice!

Thank you for your kind words! You are so right about the poker scenes pulling us out of the narrative. That's exactly how I felt.

Your review deserves a 4 out of 4 stars rating. The book doesn't really appeal to me but I sure enjoyed your review.

Adedayo+23 wrote: ↑16 Apr 2019, 12:16 Your review deserves a 4 out of 4 stars rating. The book doesn't really appeal to me but I sure enjoyed your review.

Thank you very much for your kind words!

reneelu1998 wrote: ↑13 Apr 2019, 01:42 Thank you for this review! It is extremely well-written. I find it interesting that the author had these experiences and was able to express them to an audience through this novel.

Thank you for your kind comments!

Adedayo+23 wrote: ↑16 Apr 2019, 12:16 Your review deserves a 4 out of 4 stars rating. The book doesn't really appeal to me but I sure enjoyed your review.

You are very kind. Thank you for such a considerate remark about my review. I really appreciate it.