"We Set the Dark on Fire" By Tehlor Kay Mejia

 We set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Originally published in 2019

Awards: Oregon Spirit Book Award for Debut Fiction, Neukom Institute Literary Arts Runner Up Award

Summary: We Set the Dark on Fire follows the story of Daniela Vargas set in a dystopian future where there is laws in place that people in positions of power should have two wives. One for politics and one to raise a family. Daniela is a 'primera' who struggles with balancing the demands of the political circles and life on a fictional island. There are threats to Daneilas status in the world and her world changes when she is approached by a rebel revolutionary group that asks for her help in changing the way of their world. Daniela struggles with protecting her family, doing what is right and a rival love interest along the way. 

This book deals with some modern themes of opression, rebellion, as well as deeply ingrained patriarchal traditions which make for a book that is geared towards more mature young adults. This book is appropriate for any 10th through 12 grade audience due to the language choices used. The complex plot narratives as well as political motivations. 

Teaching and Content Considerations: 

This is a book that goes deep into the motivations of human beings especially when faced with 'impossible' circumstances. The main character as well as other minor character, are all faced with immense challenges along the way of trying to break down the old political system. With so many factors to keep track of this book would be great for helping students to dive deeper in characters, complex societal issues, as well as how novels are organized and structured to produce different narrative outcomes. 

The novel explores opression, privilege (high status),sexuality, as well as immigration and class. Through these themes students can learn a lot about how our modern day society operates in some contexts and see the possible futures that could be possible if we are not active participants in society. The novel covers in great detail the representations of key figures that mimic our own society. Politicians, military personnel, etc. that are worth studying in a high school classroom. 

The first passage that is worth a close read is in Chapter 10. Dani meets with Sota (a rebel member) to share information about what she hears at politcal events. She comes to interact with Sota and finds that she will not be let out of joining the rebels as she thought she might. Turns out political dealings are not so cut and dry. This passage is worth looking at because it describes what could be very real political structures. 

Another passage that should be looked at is in chapter 21. It is a passage where the author describes the physical insurrection mounted by the rebel army. She sets the tone by creating a sense of mystery, dread, and even anxiety around the events that are about to happen. The rebel army captures innocent civilians including our main character. The tension that is build in pages 235-238 brings you into the moment. This would be a great passage to look at the word choice and organization that builds/ehances these emotions. 

This is a solid read for anybody interested in dystopian futures with complex political structures. The LGBTQ+ positive themes would appeal to any teenager/ally apart of that community as well. The book represents women in power quite well.