Smoke: A Novel

Smoke: A Novel by Dan Vyleta, 431 pages

Vyleta's novel is set in a British boarding school, where the sons of the ruling class are taught to appear virtuous. In it, he gives us a world where sin literally shows on the sinner.  Smokes issues from the sinners body; the darker the sin, the heavier, sootier, and more noticeable the smoke. Wisps of smoke are emitted as one imagines an act, contemplates a sin, or becomes lustful, or angry. A fight between students leaves them both with darkened clothes, the stains sure to be noticed by the headmasters, with punishment to follow. The book is an interesting exploration of good and evil, arbitrary class divisions, and emotion and madness. The first half of the novel builds the world well, with interesting ideas and solid characters, but I found the end a little disappointing. Overall pretty good. It left me wanting to take a look at Vyleta's other books.