Up Through The Darkness:

This is a Coming of Age Story

In Up Through the Darkness, Anders is a sympathetic character, weaving poetry into his thoughts…as he yearns for and grasps at a balance between independence and connection. His troubled past is reflected in his present actions and emotions despite his unwillingness to accept the reality of his complicated family history.

Though he is sixty years old in the events of this book, this is a coming-of-age story more than anything.

Scenes that move outside Anders’ perspective seem to focus on petty drama (even when the circumstances are far from petty, involving financial corruption, family secrets, and murder) in comparison to Anders’ poignant psychological probing. By the end of the book, though, this is turned on its head, with an intense conspiracy revealed in the story’s striking climax.

Aimee Jodoin
Indie Reader, August 22, 2022

Loved Your Book!

I read it in two days. I can definitely see this as a movie. I enjoy your writing, I actually feel like I’m there with the characters. I can feel the sea breeze I can see the beautiful scenery, can almost taste the wine. Your writing it’s amazing! Another book please!!

Christina Long

A Lyrical Journey

Wayne’s love of language takes us on a lyrical journey into the mind of his moody main character, Anders. The setting, the plot and the other characters combine to add to the mystery of just what is hidden from Anders, and what he has to hide.

Sandy Jensen

Poetic

Aronsen’s writing style is fluent and often poetic. His skill in descriptive writing makes it easy to visualize settings and experience scenes. Sufficient conflict (internal and external), drama, crisis and tension throughout the story keep the readers engaged and curious as to its ending.

Indie Reader

This book is art

Like reading a painting.

Larry Carlson

Read it in two days.

The characters and setting drew me in immediately. Just an excellent book. Wanted to go have a glass of wine and talk about it.
We’re going to feature it in our book club.

Kathy Wiser

Masterful Writing.

Just finished reading UP THROUGH THE DARKNESS. We’ll done! Masterful writing and compelling story line. Your characters were captivating and authentic. I loved it my friend!

Leland Freeman

This is a story about family history

Be prepared to be blown away

The present-day scene in the story is in a central Californian coastal town. Anders is 60 and has lived most of his life. We see him lost in his thoughts, which circle around judgment and redemption.

There is an underlying sense of unease in the opening sentences, and that feeling gets carried on as we are given a front row seat to the thoughts going through this man’s mind. One can feel everything that Anders is feeling. The scenery is so descriptive; it seems as if the sea is crashing waves in front of us.

There is turmoil in the sea that gets reflected through Anders’ thoughts. The language used is very descriptive, in a positive light. The way this book is written is commendable and worth mentioning. Melancholia seems to be a major theme running across the storyline; however, it does not take the spotlight. The best way to describe the narrative would be to call it atmospheric. Nothing less would suffice.

This is a story about family history that was long forgotten but will see the light of the day at some point in time and thereafter change lives. The book boasts of a strong set of female characters who hurl through dire situations and come out all the stronger. Be prepared to be blown away by how words have the power of making you feel things through this book.

BookReaders Club