Smoke: a world where our emotions are visible and honest

Smoke: a novel
by Dan Vyleta
Doubleday Books
May 2016

A compelling story of an alternate Victorian London where three teens -and the reader- learn the lie and the truth of their humanness.

What's different about this novel 
Publisher Doubleday labels this work as general fiction (adult).  I felt its audience was more powerfully identified as young adults. Both spheres of readers will find themselves reconsidering what they know about Authority and Social Truth and the virtue of our emotions. 

The three teen protagonists, indeed their entire society, considers the smoke emitted from their bodies in response to "sin" to be a mark for correction and avoidance. But that same society is founded on manipulated reality. 

The greatest difference in this novel is the transformation of the antagonist: first the Smoke, then family and authorities and society itself. 

Philosophically I don't agree with the premises of ultimate truth and value that the author posits, but Mr. Vyleta does a skillful job of making those premises cohesive and coherent and fully embedded in the world he creates. This book is powerful and compelling and envisioned from a unique perspective.  Adults and teen readers alike will be rewarded for their perseverance with this story.

What I'll do now that I've read it
This is a sure purchase for all my libraries serving mature middle graders, high schoolers, and adults. We should be hearing more about this book - and this author. 

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