Lovely, Dark, and Deep

“In this moving, empowering book,” a high school senior navigates new love after she is diagnosed with photosensitivity, an illness that changes her life (Booklist).

When Viola Li returns from a trip, she develops a sudden and extreme case of photosensitivity—an inexplicable allergy to sunlight. Thanks to her crisis-manager parents, she doesn’t just have to wear layers of clothes and spaceship-sized hat. She has to avoid all hint of light. Say goodbye to windows and running outdoors. Even her phone becomes a threat. Viola is determined to maintain a normal life, particularly after she meets Josh. He’s a funny, talented Thor look-alike with his own mysterious grief. But their romance makes her take more risks, and when a rebellion against her parents backfires dangerously, she must find her way to a life—and love—as deep and lovely as her dreams.

“A luminous read that will rekindle your faith in the indomitable human spirit.” —Matthew Quick, author of The Silver Linings Playbook

“An inspiring, romantic novel full of redemption and hope.” —Mitali Perkins, author of You Bring the Distant Near

“Fresh, often funny . . . Readers won’t be able to help but root for Viola in this moving, empowering book about a teen recalculating her well-laid plans, all in a vivid voice.” —Booklist, starred review

“Chen provides glimmers of hope as she reveals Viola’s battle to reclaim a form of normalcy.” —Publishers Weekly

“A strong exploration of resilience in the face of life unpredictable.” —Kirkus Reviews

© 2022 Arthur A. Levine Books (Ebook): 9781338134070

Release date

Ebook: August 17, 2022