Leah and Charlie have been confused and distraught since their dad’s death. Their mum has been suffering from depression ever since, not even capable of leaving her bedroom for days on end, leaving the two siblings to care for their younger sister, Abby. Leah has found comfort in an affair with an older, married man, who promises he’ll leave his wife and child for her. Charlie, to help with the rent and bills that keep piling up, seeks money from a loan shark, not realising the depth of trouble he’s gotten himself into. When both of their secret lives become intertwined, Leah and Charlie must finally confront their demons together and save what’s left of their family.

Let the Light In is a story that oftentimes feels challenging to read because of the situations Leah and Charlie have found themselves in and how the adults around them abuse or exploit their moments of weakness. However, Jenny Downham and Louis Hill have carefully shown the difficulties between choosing what you think is good for you and what is actually good for you, and shine a light on the burdens of children who have to step up and act as parents when their own aren’t able to. The heavy themes of the novel are paired alongside the small glimpses of genuine happiness within their family, offering hope and light when all seems lost. This is a complex and heart-wrenching novel about trying to do your best for the ones you love. For ages 16+.