The Dark Side of the Sky

by Francesco Dimitri

A page-turning literary fantasy filled with terror and wonder, set in a sun-baked Southern Italy, for fans of The Girls by Emma Cline, The Magus by John Fowles and The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai.

It’s been labelled a doomsday cult, but the Bastion might be humanity’s last hope. Amidst all the lies and chaos, come hear their true story, in their own words.

On the rural coast of Puglia, Italy, Becca and Ric run the Bastion, offering solace and a home for lost souls. Each year they welcome new members to join the Open Feast, where they teach them to release their burdens and create a better world, in a journey of self-discovery and spiritual teachings.

But the Bastion has secrets. The Bastion has a destiny. Deep in the Inner Pinewood, a place of real magic and beauty, they are all that stands against the dark forces that would tear the sky wide open

And what of those who call Becca and Ric liars? Cult leaders and con artists? What of those who tried to leave the Bastion? As it becomes increasingly difficult to tell truth from fiction, who can you trust to save us all?

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Cults, Thriller, Contemporary, Literary Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Francesco Dimitri is an Italian author living in London.

Reviews

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.0 Stars
Video Review: https://youtu.be/OqKPLv-OPAc

I am always attracted to novels that break the mold or offer something different. So naturally this genre bending book immediately caught my attention. I always say that I would rather an author take chances rather than play it safe.

However in this case, those risks did not pay off. This is one of those books that is hard to pitch because it's trying to do too many things and the results ended up falling flat. I wanted to love this one but I was ultimately left disappointed

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this would make an excellent end-of-summer read. It centres on the Bastion, a commune – and possible sex cult – on the Italian coast. We see its story play out through the eyes of three women: Zoey, who runs her own spiritual festival and is there on a research mission; grieving Charlie, whose world has fallen apart with the sudden death of her partner; and Lila, a long-standing member who cut off her parents to join. The plot is solid and I liked the approach of multiple narrators (including the Bastion itself as a collective); the rapid-fire switching between them gives it something of an oral history vibe. The story, while a bit too long, is structured well, and Dimitri is good at throwing in small-but-tantalising mysteries: why is one member of the group referred to only as ‘the Nameless’? What the hell are Oddballs?

It was the language that proved a repeated stumbling block for me. The characters come from all over the world, yet all use the same distinctive variety of English that blends American phrasing and grammar with British slang and some conspicuously odd word choices. I spent about 30% of the book thinking it was awkwardly translated, only to find (after coming up against a sentence that just didn’t make any sense) that it isn’t translated at all. I gather English isn’t the author’s first language, so this would be completely understandable in a first draft, but this is not a first draft and it doesn’t seem like it’s been properly proofread.

[Jinke_br · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story I am really not used to reading. A wild plot with a lot of different things that are happening, sometimes also hard to wrap you mind around. But in the end it kept you reading and wanting to discover what was going to happen next.

The switching between perspectives is what I liked the best. It lets you really understand the characters and the way they think.

[Lorenzo Valentini · Rating 4 out of 5]

You may not like the premise or the characters (I didn't), and you may think you know where the narrative is going, but just trust the author on this one: he knows what he's doing and a FULL read will be rewarded. Let the story leisurely engross you, allow it to take you on the mediterrenean pinewood by the sea with the Abbracciaventos and let your perspective slowly shift on those characters, as more details on their past and personalities are revealed. Keep reading until the very end, and maybe your perspective will shift once more and you'll have experienced an higly evocative journey through madness and wonder.

[Patrícia Fernandes · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50%.

I really wanted to like The Dark Side of the Sky, but it ended up being a confusing and frustrating read. The structure is a mess—four POVs, three different timelines for almost half the book, and then suddenly it switches to third person? It was hard to follow, not because the story was deep or complex, but because the storytelling felt unnecessarily chaotic.

Plot-wise, almost nothing happens. It’s just a cult recruiting people, but without any real tension, mystery, or intrigue. I kept waiting for something to click, but it never did. The characters didn’t feel compelling enough to carry the slow pacing, and the jumps between perspectives made it even harder to connect with anyone.

[Arielle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow! A real page turner from start to finish making you wonder just what will happen next. A gripping story and characters you’re not sure if you should love or hate.

[Valérie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only have one word for this book: what? (Not necessarily in a bad way, just confusing)

[˚✧ Nathalie ˳✧༚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow but also what the fuck?
4.5⭐️

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing I write here will be able to do justice to the brilliance, magnificence, and EXPERIENCE that was The Dark Side of the Sky by Francesco Dimitri.

Nothing without inadvertently spoiling that brilliance, magnificence, and experience, anyway.

And as this is my second Dimitri book, I can say that that seems to be the way of it with his work.

I don't lament the inability to read again for the first time about too many books.

But this is one of them.

The Dark Side of the Sky did what all of the best, and all of my favorite, art does: It presents you with everything - all of it laid bare - drops it into your lap, and lets you use your own judgement to make your own deductions. It does not force you or lay its opinion heavy-handedly. It just shakes loose your entire self and leaves you to pick up the pieces of your shattered brain.

Brilliance. Utter brilliance, this book.

And, pardon the expression, but a complete and total mindfuck.

And to say anything more would ruin it.

5 incredible stars
(and a silent plea to be able to discuss it someday with someone else who has read and appreciated it).

[Ellen]

That was definitely a fascinating read.

[Goddess of Stories · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What if I'm the one being played?"

Just wow, I truly couldn't put this book down, if I wouldn't have had to go to work I might have read it in one go

[Hulttio · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a matter, not of what they believe in, but of how many people believe in that. The brute force of numbers gets to decide what is normal.

This book is an onion: it has several layers and is liable to make you tear up. Last year, I read three of Francesco Dimitri’s books, which must have been some kind of personal record as it usually takes me a while to get through an author’s bibliography. Clearly I had hit some kind of jackpot with these novels. So I eagerly anticipated the release of this book, and though I got to it three months after publication, it did not disappoint in giving me a classic Dimitri experience nor diminish my enthusiasm.

In some ways, certain events in the book reminded me of the 1968 protests in Chicago. ‘The whole world is watching.’ The audience and indeed the world is almost its own character in the novel, as part of the story is told in an epistolary style with interview clippings and Greek chorus-style interjections. Although I didn’t find most of the characters to be that interesting or dynamic, their relation to each other was incredibly fascinating. Once Dimitri begins to suggest what brought them all together, it falls into place. One of the characters also discusses having aphantasia, which I thought was a neat addition. You don’t often get to see that in fiction, let alone where it has an impact on the narrative.

One aspect I appreciated was how you see the development of Becca and Ric’s sibling relationship; in fiction, most siblings either love or hate each other. Here, we see the companionship of childhood turn into concern and alienation, and then transform itself further until we get to their present-day collaboration on leading the Bastion. I wonder if Dimitri has any siblings, because his depiction of this evolving relationship rung so true.

As always, one of Dimitri’s strengths is the sense of atmosphere and place in the novel — if you want to feel like you’re in Puglia, this is the book for it (or really any of his books). His writing is descriptive and beautiful without being overwrought. If I had to criticize anything, it would be that the plot veers on the fantastical sometimes; though, given the context, this could very well be by design. Even so, I thought it was cleverly done while addressing some major ideas about self-discovery, (toxic/healthy) group dynamics, collective effervescence, and, as usual for the author, a strong emphasis on family and all that it entails, for better or worse. What brings this group of misfits together, and why do they happen to get along extremely well? The ending brings multiple threads of thought to a powerful head, and the tension in the last third was incredibly thrilling. There were also certain scenes that made me tear up because of how much I could relate.

For those who are interested, the author’s note at the end is a treasure trove from Dimitri’s research and insights from looking into the psychology of cults and related themes from the book. It was a great way to conclude the narrative by forcing the reader to confront reality. Going through my notes again, I am reminded of just how topical and contemporaneous this book felt; the themes are timeless to a degree, but they do resonate rather well in our current era.

I do agree with some reviewers that the book could be jumbled and all over the place at times, but it just so happened that I was drawn to a lot of these disparate elements. Put together, this is a book that definitely worked out for me, but I could see it being more chaotic, especially to someone who isn’t used to Dimitri’s writing. He even includes references to his other novels, making the experience more rewarding to those who recognize them. For me, it’s only reinforced that he is one of my favorite contemporary writers, especially when it comes to magical realism and Italy.

Favorite quotes:

※ ‘You came here to be alive, right? It’s hard work, being alive.’

※ ‘There’re a million new truths on Reddit every month.’

※ ‘We may discuss the nature of your love for your cat until the world’s end, but the inescapable reality, the one bare fact, is that your cat does not have any balls anymore.’

※ ‘Only once, no more, for violence is a fact of life, but cruelty is a choice.’

※ ‘The best-meaning people will say they listen to you, and they’ll think they’re doing just that, but what they call listening is a translation of your stories into theirs.’

※ ‘It occurred to her that most humans give up their lives into willing slavery – to money, to an institution, to an unquenchable thirst for admiration or, barring that, at least a lack of contempt – and she could not take any of that seriously.’

※ ‘It was dawning on us how powerful we were, how much we could do, when we came together.’

※ ‘One must be seriously troubled not to see that our world needs saving.’

※ ‘“All readers die in the middle of a book,” he used to say.’

[Mogsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2024/07/11/...

There’s about a dozen books on my read-shelf that I probably should be reviewing first, but I just finished The Dark Side of the Sky and felt the need to rush to put my thoughts on paper. Over the past week, whenever my kids wanted me to take them swimming, this was the book that kept me company while I played chaperone, and I can’t possibly imagine a more perfectly juicy and horrifyingly addictive read for the poolside. The novel is Italian fantasy author Francesco Dimitri’s third one in English, and just like The Book of Hidden Things and Never the Wind, it had me completely enthralled.

One big reason why: it’s a story about a doomsday cult, but you wouldn’t know it from the way things start. The book begins with an introduction to The Bastion, ostensibly one of dozens of trendy New Age-y spiritual retreats and festivals that have cropped up in the post-Covid environment. With another summer fast approaching, they have started taking applications for the next Open Feast, their annual event celebrating self-discovery and personal enlightenment. Zoey, who is the co-founder and organizer of the SoulJo festival which peddles many of the same offerings, eagerly applies with the intent to infiltrate The Bastion and get the inside scoop on her competition. Meanwhile, a young surgeon named Charlie and her musician husband Bertrand also fill out an application to the Open Feast and are accepted. However, mere weeks before the event starts, tragedy strikes. Bertrand passes away suddenly from a brain aneurysm, leaving a grief-stricken Charlie to attend alone, trying to distract herself from the pain.

The festival guests travel to the sunbaked shores of Puglia in Southern Italy, where they meet Bastion leaders Becca and Ric, as well as their team of helpers which include Lila, one of their long-time members. After three days of spiritual teaching and soul-searching (read: unfettered partying, sex, and drugs) most of the attendees go home, save for Zoey and Charlie, whom The Bastion has identified and chosen for their cause. On their land lies the Inner Pinewood, a place of mystery and enchantment, where past, present, and future meet and the impossible comes to life. Many years ago, this was where Lila experienced real magic. Now her mission is to help Becca and Ric show the newcomers too, teaching them to harness the Pinewood’s powers and protect it at all costs.

The Dark Side of the Sky is also an “aftermath” story, where the major fallout has already happened, only lightly hinted at throughout the book as the plot ramps up towards the grand finale when all the answers are finally revealed. Through the eyes of Zoey, Charlie, Lila, and occasionally the collective Bastion, we’re supposedly getting the “true story” from the insiders of how things actually went down, because the world has already condemned them all as a crazy sex orgy death cult.

Here’s where I think the novel will likely be contentious among readers, as is typical with a lot of books containing magical realism themes. While there’s an element of the supernatural, it’s never made overt. The ambiguity of what is actually happening—real magic or mass hysteria—is always on the forefront which can be frustrating for some, including myself. However, Dimitri has a way of weaving this uncertainty into narrative that keeps one engaged, which is why I also loved his other books (and I was excited to find references from both The Book of Hidden Things and Never the Wind included in The Dark Side of the Sky, implying all of them exist in the same shared world).

What’s not contentious though, is how the author has captured the psychology and the descent into the mind of cultists. The narrative structure he has chosen is also surprisingly effective and conducive to this intent, portraying the gradual and always subtle indoctrination process with chilling detail. Character development was phenomenal and the key to what made this novel so successful. Dimitri’s afterword gives some insight into how he was able to handle this aspect of the novel with such authenticity and empathy; it’s a fascinating deep dive into the fragile state of the human mind, exploring the power of manipulation when trying to understand the vulnerabilities and motivations that lead people to their beliefs.

The Dark Side of the Sky is a book you either love or hate. Personally, I loved it, which is surprising given my usual reservations about stories with a huge magical realism component. But as always, Francesco Dimitri is an exception to the rule with his novels that take me out of my comfort zone and make me question everything while capturing my imagination completely.

[Georgina Prince · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Side Of The Sky by Fransesco Dimitri


First off we all know not to judge a book by its cover but let's all appreciate how beautiful the cover for this book is!


I really liked the way this was written with different points of view and timelines coming at you, it was unusual and an interesting way to figure out what is going on. The writing is very good and though the first quarter or so of the book is paced slower than the rest it keeps up the intrigue, I wanted to know what was true and what was really happening and ultimately that is for you to decide.


A thought provoking read that will leave you questioning, I haven’t read the author's other two English language books with the same setting but will definitely be checking them out now.


Blurb

“It’s been labelled a doomsday cult, but the Bastion might be humanity’s last hope. Amidst all the lies and chaos, come hear their true story, in their own words.

On the rural coast of Puglia, Italy, Becca and Ric run the Bastion, offering solace and a home for lost souls. Each year they welcome new members to join the Open Feast, where they teach them to release their burdens and create a better world, in a journey of self-discovery and spiritual teachings.

But the Bastion has secrets. The Bastion has a destiny. Deep in the Inner Pinewood, a place of real magic and beauty, they are all that stands against the dark forces that would tear the sky wide open

And what of those who call Becca and Ric liars? Cult leaders and con artists? What of those who tried to leave the Bastion? As it becomes increasingly difficult to tell truth from fiction, who can you trust to save us all?”

Thanks to the author @messapianfrank and @Titanbooks the publisher for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bastion was labeled as a Doomsday cult, but it's a home for lost souls. New members join every year and are taught how to release burdens and create a better world. There are secrets, however, and the Bastion stands against forces that might tear open the sky.

The story is told from the POV of Bastion members as well as Zoey and Charlie. At first, it was a bit jarring, because the POV changes were fast and their sections were short. Ultimately, it lets us see what's happening at the same time in different locations across the world, as well as the past and present timelines. We eventually learn the history of the Bastion, Ric, and Becca, as well as the others participating in the humming ritual.

Zoey lied on her application to join the Bastion team at their Open Feast, thinking to scope out the competition for wellness and complementary medicine retreats. Charlie is a physician whose husband just died of an aneurysm, so her grief is sharp and painful. They both fall under the Bastion's spell and in staying on the farm to learn the techniques that the siblings teach, they see the Other Sky and hear the banging of something that wants to break through. The outside world focuses on the sex, drugs, and cult-like isolation.

I have to admit, I'm not a fan of most of the characters or the narrative insisting that the siblings are geniuses that the world misunderstands and should admire. But they're compelling, and trying to figure out the truth makes it fascinating to dive into. The way people were drawn in, the conviction that they held, and the way it all spirals really drew me in, and I had to keep going. It's a well-written story and has a zinger at the end to really make you question what happened.

[Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francesco Dimitri's latest escapade, The Dark Side of the Sky, brings us back to his enchanting storytelling, albeit with a slow start that might test your patience—but stick with it! Set in a grand villa along Italy's Adriatic Coast, the book delves into the lives of a select group who spend four days each June indulging in secretive rituals, from whispering painful secrets into bonfires to dancing naked under the rain. But the retreat takes a mysterious twist when some don't return home, sparking fears of a cult led by the charismatic siblings, Rebecca and Riccardo Abbracciavento.

As the guests undergo spiritual transformations and surreal experiences, external pressures mount. Journalists and drones start circling, capturing footage of what outsiders label orgiastic and satanic rituals, leading to internal strife and mob confrontations outside the villa gates.

While the first third of the book may feel leisurely paced, Dimitri’s craftsmanship shines as the plot thickens—everything is essential, building towards a grand scheme that subtly shifts your understanding without notice. The Dark Side of the Sky is Dimitri’s third book in English, following The Book of Hidden Things and Never the Wind. While it stands alone, eagle-eyed fans will spot a few cameos hinting that these narratives share the same universe. This book melds shocking elements with vivid descriptions of summer nights and Italian culinary delights, crafting a story that challenges our notions of belief and fanaticism. If you're ready for a thought-provoking ride that blends the mundane with the fantastical, Dimitri's latest is a must-read.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Francesco Dimitri's third book in English, and while you don't have to have read The Book of Hidden Trees and Never the Wind, there are a couple of cameos to let you know the three share the same universe.
The Dark Side of the Sky is a bit slow for the first third, and while I was loving the writing I was marking half a star of the score for awhile - but I should have kept faith. As always Dimitri has a big (enormous) picture in mind and not a single scene is wasted or not needed. The things that happen, slow as it might seem at the time, all add up so that you can not possibly say when you cross from one state to another (yes, being deliberately vague).
The story in its most basic is that of a (possible) cult, a group of members desperate for somewhere to belong and for some sense of wonder and magic. The fact that they have been chosen to help save the world is the cherry on top. But as in all of Dimitri's works what is real and what is maybe one person's delusions is the question.
I love Dimitri's writing, he has been called the Italian Gaiman but maybe Gaiman should be called the English Dimitri.

[Cat Treadwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, the Good: the writing of this is very interesting. Multiple voices, but easy to follow who is speaking (mostly), and I liked the varied perspectives.

Unfortunately, though, this was a DNF for me.

I'm a pagan lady who's been to events such as those satirised in this book, and I fully see where the author is coming from (in a fun way)! It's a soft target but shows how those different personality types are drawn to attend and run such events (before we get to the fantastic story aspects, of course).

What made me frustrated was how basic each character was. I assumed they'd develop as we moved forward, but nope - all remained unlikeable stereotypes. Yes, they're damaged and vulnerable, but being the caricatures that are being literally lampshaded in the story was a bit much!

I stopped at about 1/3 because the frustration was overcoming the enjoyment. Apologies.

Early ARC kindly sent via NetGalley.

[John Tales from Absurdia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the dark of evening gathers and the fire crackles, the Open Feast awaits you and your fellow guests. You gather around the fire, close your eyes, and hum in unison with your misfits-in-arms, feeling the known world melt away.

In The Dark Night of the Sky, Francesco Dmitri, author of Never the Wind and The Book of Hidden Things, weaves a thrilling tale of belonging, morality, and the social contract we all unwittingly sign upon birth. The novel follows The Bastion, a spiritualist collective in Puglia, Italy, and the diverse visitors of their annual 'Open Feast.'

With nuanced and morally complex characters, Dmitri blurs the lines between cult and community, offering a fascinating narrative that disorients and captivates.

Read the full review on TalesfromAbsurdia.com

[Lauren Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooh what a fantastic and enchanting cult book! I really enjoy cult style books and this one did not disappoint. I really like how it was set in the modern day and interpreted Covid-19 into the storyline, it made it feel very authentic.

I really liked the way that the story was narrated and enjoyed the little comments about the past/future. I always enjoy short chapters and felt I was reading through this book rapidly! A whole bunch of interesting characters in this one and I wanted to know everything about them all. I want to say Charlie was my favourite but I really liked Lila too… I liked them all really, some of their choices were definitely a bit questionable though!

& oooooh what a cliff hanger ending!! I want to know more… I NEED MORE!

If you enjoy a Cult storyline then definitely check this book out!

[Taldragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been labelled a doomsday cult, but the Bastion might be humanity’s last hope. Amidst all the lies and chaos, come hear their true story, in their own words.

On the rural coast of Puglia, Italy, Becca and Ric run the Bastion, offering solace and a home for lost souls. Each year they welcome new members to join the Open Feast, where they teach them to release their burdens and create a better world, in a journey of self-discovery and spiritual teachings.

But the Bastion has secrets. The Bastion has a destiny. Deep in the Inner Pinewood, a place of real magic and beauty, they are all that stands against the dark forces that would tear the sky wide open

And what of those who call Becca and Ric liars? Cult leaders and con artists? What of those who tried to leave the Bastion? As it becomes increasingly difficult to tell truth from fiction, who can you trust to save us all?

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I read this! It's almost a five star, more like 4.5 -- and I'd question labelling this fantasy. It's really not!

The immersion into The Bastion's world, from the Open Feast to the hum to the collection of people who live permanently at the Villa and spend time in the Inner Pinewood is infused with cultesque/religious fervor. Who are Becca and Ric? What is the Bastion's fight? Is it all drug-fueled or does the Inner Pinewood actually exist? At times I wondered if the author had seen Shephard's Angel City, with the universal heartbeat being replaced by Becca's hum.

The ending to it all (no spoilers) is no surprise, with villagers and a hungry media bringing the group's idyll to a dramatic close that you can feel coming from the very beginning. Apparently this is set in a village that the author has set two previous books in, and I'm planning to check them out!

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cults are endlessly fascinating and this is the most convincing fictional account I have read. It was no surprise to learn the author has spent time getting to know the members of a real cult and trying to understand their motivations. I wasn't sure about the supernatural elements when I read the reviews, but these are introduced so cleverly they add to the creepy atmosphere without undermining believability. Starts slowly and builds to a convincingly catastrophic climax.

[Chaos · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm always up for a change of pace and a book that's different. I love the cover of this one and love the synopsis. Unfortunately, that's all I loved. The differing POVs made the story confusing and chaotic. I think maybe that's what the author was going for, but it didn't mix. I couldn't tell anyone what the plot was about besides the cult. Everything was wonky. Intriguing synopsis but the delivery wasn't there.

[Nick Schotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story of a group of people the outside world deems doomsday cult that leaves room to wonder who is actually crazy and what is real. A great read that I found difficult to put down with some callbacks to other stories written by the author. I look forward to more books (in English) by Francesco Dimitri.

[Elena Stachew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun, creepy, cultist weekend read. Didn’t realize the author was Italian, wrote only books in Italian, then switched to English. I’m curious what else he has written. Learning about the author’s familiarity and interest in social psychology and cult studies, and the culture of Southern Italy, makes this book even more fascinating.

[Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need someone to do a deep lore dive with me into the world of The Dark Side of the Sky, Never the Wind and The Book of Hidden Things. Fiddles, pinewood, beaches, parallel planes and entities that can mimic the sounds of loved one. This is my Marvel Cinematic Universe.

[Kimberly Schmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

About an Italian Spirutial group led by a brother and sister that is labeled a crazy, sex, drug cult. This book gives you plenty to think about along the ride. I enjoyed it and think it will give lots of book clubs lots to discuss.

[Kina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I read that was about cult and it gripped me even if ending was somewhat expected/known from the beginning. It still somehow left me thinking and wandering through the reading and even now after finishing.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the individual narratives in this book, and the way the story unfolded, and how inconclusive it was about whether the magic was real or a collective delusion.