In the recent review by John Wray for the New York Times, the spotlight shines brightly on Bret Anthony Johnston’s latest novel, We Burn Daylight. Wray delivers a compelling examination of Johnston’s narrative, one that offers a tapestry woven with both emotional intensity and existential inquiries. The story revolves around the complex lives of its characters, engaging readers through an interplay of personal struggles against a backdrop of broader societal issues. Wray appreciates how Johnston does not shy away from the darker facets of human experience, instead, he embraces the chaos and uncertainty of life with a deft hand, crafting moments that resonate deeply.
Wray articulates Johnston’s masterful pacing and unobtrusive yet effective prose, highlighting how these elements elevate the storytelling. The characters are painted with rich detail, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in their world. Each individual grapples with their own demons, their paths intersecting in ways that feel authentic and thought-provoking. Wray acknowledges Johnston’s poignant ability to reflect on themes of grief, love, and redemption while maintaining a keen awareness of the characters’ vulnerabilities.
The review also remarks on the novel’s underlying commentary about contemporary issues, subtly woven into the fabric of the narrative without overwhelming the story itself. Johnston’s work is portrayed as both timely and timeless, inviting readers to ponder their own lives amid the chaos of the external world. Wray’s insights serve not only to illuminate Johnston’s achievements in We Burn Daylight, but also to showcase the power of literature as a mirror for our own experiences.
In praising Johnston’s novel, Wray establishes a rich context for understanding modern narratives, encouraging readers to engage deeply with literature as a means of navigating life’s complexities. The review is a testament to Johnston’s formidable talent and Wray’s sharp critical eye.
For further reading, see the full article [here](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/28/books/review/bret-anthony-johnston-we-burn-daylight.html).
Lotte van Deyssel
In John Wray’s incisive review of Bret Anthony Johnston’s *We Burn Daylight*, we witness the emergence of literature as a profound vehicle for existential exploration. Wray’s articulation of Johnston’s ability to weave the intricate fabric of human experience—imbued with grief, love, and redemption—suggests that narratives do not merely reflect life; they actively shape our understanding of it. The characters, with their rich psychological landscapes, operate not merely as vessels of story but as mirrors reflecting our own vulnerabilities, illuminating the chaotic interplay between individual struggles and the societal constructs that underpin them.
Wray underscores the notion that while Johnston delves into darker aspects of existence, it is precisely within this chaos that we encounter the essence of what it means to be human. This tension between despair and hope invites readers to embrace their complexities and confront their own internal battles. In a world increasingly fractured by external tumult, Johnston’s narrative serves as a reminder of the timeless act of grappling with our inner selves.
Furthermore, Wray’s ability to contextualize Johnston’s work within contemporary issues without overshadowing the narrative itself raises a pivotal question: to what extent can literature serve as both a refuge and a challenge in our quest for meaning? Ultimately, Wray and Johnston together illuminate literature’s potent role not merely as escapism but as a catalyst for deeper understanding, compelling us to engage critically with the world around us and within us. As such, *We Burn Daylight* stands as both a reflection and an invitation, urging us to confront the multifaceted tapestry of existence.