Finding Light in Shadows: A Review of The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis
As a lover of coming-of-age stories, The Dangerous Art of Blending In immediately caught my attention with its promise of heartache and resilience. Written by Angelo Surmelis, a Lambda Literary Award finalist, this novel is not just another teen romance; it is a raw exploration of identity, family struggles, and the tumultuous path toward self-acceptance. From the very first page, I found myself immersed in Evan Panos’s world, and it was a journey I won’t soon forget.
Evan is a character that captures your heart in an almost painful way. Seventeen and navigating the challenges of adolescence against the backdrop of a strict immigrant family, he grapples with feelings of alienation both at home and within himself. Surmelis paints a vivid picture of Evan’s life—his abusive mother, whom he both fears and craves love from; his quiet, passive father who avoids confrontation; and his best friend, Henry, who becomes the unexpected light in Evan’s shadows. The juxtaposition between the oppressive nature of Evan’s home life and the sanctuary he finds in his friendship with Henry is beautifully rendered, allowing readers to intimately feel both his despair and his flickering hope.
Surmelis’s writing is both lyrical and accessible, making it easy to devour the book in one sitting. His ability to convey the intricacies of Evan’s emotional turmoil—the pain, the longing, the moments of joy—immerses you in his world completely. I found myself nodding in recognition when Evan describes moments of silent suffering juxtaposed with small victories of self-acceptance. “You deserve better than this,” Evan must remind himself—a sentiment that echoed long after I had turned the last page.
The complex relationship between Evan and Henry felt refreshingly authentic. It reminded me of my own teenage friendships that sometimes blossomed into something deeper, laden with both excitement and fear. One particularly poignant quote that stuck with me was when Evan thinks, “Maybe love is worth risking everything for.” This sentiment encapsulates the book’s central theme: the struggle to find and claim one’s identity, especially when societal and familial pressures seem insurmountable.
What truly sets The Dangerous Art of Blending In apart is its unflinching honesty about abuse and acceptance. Surmelis doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities that many LGBTQ+ teens face. This candid portrayal is a crucial reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, resonating especially with those who may feel similarly isolated in their struggles.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend The Dangerous Art of Blending In to anyone searching for a story that marries heartache with hope. This book will resonate not only with young adults navigating their identities but also with anyone who has ever felt out of place in their own life. Surmelis’s debut is a testament to the power of friendship and love, delivering a message that we all deserve to be seen and accepted as we are.
Whether you’re looking for a reflective read or a story that uplifts and empowers, this book is a beacon of light for anyone feeling lost. As I closed the book, I felt a sense of warmth—a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find our way to joy and acceptance.
What a journey it is, indeed!