But all is not right in Ilya's world: he's consumed by the fate of his older brother Vladimir, the magnetic rebel to Ilya's dutiful wunderkind, back in their tiny Russian hometown. One of the most propulsive, un-put-downable literary novels I've read in ages."- Anthony Marra, author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomenaįifteen-year-old Ilya arrives in Louisiana from his native Russia for what should be the adventure of his life: a year in America as an exchange student.
" Lights All Night Long is utterly brilliant and completely captivating. Erin Ball, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WAĪ gripping and deftly plotted narrative of family and belonging, Lights All Night Long is a dazzling debut novel from an acclaimed young writer
She somehow manages to avoid all the predictable tropes of each to create this sparkling world full of hope, friendship, and the power of family in all its forms.” In Lights All Night Long, Lydia Fitzpatrick juggles a coming-of-age tale, a murder mystery, and a social commentary on addiction, drug use, and corruption. But he can’t seem leave his home behind, or the brother he would do anything to save. Smart, hardworking, and thoughtful, Ilya considered this journey to be the opportunity of a lifetime. “Exchange student Ilya has just arrived in the balmy heat of Louisiana from the frozen tundra of Russia. Luisa Smith, Book Passage, Corte Madera, CA Summer 2020 Reading Group Indie Next List A brilliant and thrilling novel that shouldn’t be missed!” Lydia Fitzpatrick’s stunning debut brings these vastly different cultures to life and imbues every scene with empathy and understanding. Now, as Ilya navigates his new life in Louisiana, he is determined to save his brother, who is accused of murder back in Russia. Ilya and his older brother, Vladimir, may have been thick as thieves, but while Ilya’s high marks in school offered him a way out of their depressing Russian town, Vladimir’s path has led to more illicit activities. “The courage of youth and the beauty of faith are crystallized in this story of love, loss, and acceptance.