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Accustomed to the Dark
"DeConna leaves it to the reader to ponder whether the value of truth always outweighs its cost." –Carolyn Geduld, author of The Struggle
Jenny Smith, a young journalist, secures a career-making interview with a famous but reclusive author, AJ Kenton. Jenny's time with Mr. Kenton, however, is not spent in her asking questions but in his telling one last story.
During three afternoons, Kenton describes a pivotal point in his life. As a twelve year old, he went door to door in his neighborhood and sold packets of flower seeds. His goal was to earn a prize from the seed company's catalog. His memories reveal the hidden struggles of middle-class life in the early 1960s, a time that many people living today picture as ideal. When neighbors invite AJ into their homes, they also invite him into their private worlds of successes, failures, and dreams. At the same time, AJ discovers his true talents, and he faces the dysfunction that may tear his family apart.
By experiencing an intimate look at a cross-section of American life from the past, Jenny realizes how our present American life is painfully similar. Ultimately, she must decide whether to unmask harsh realities or to maintain pleasant illusions.
Jenny Smith, a young journalist, secures a career-making interview with a famous but reclusive author, AJ Kenton. Jenny's time with Mr. Kenton, however, is not spent in her asking questions but in his telling one last story.
During three afternoons, Kenton describes a pivotal point in his life. As a twelve year old, he went door to door in his neighborhood and sold packets of flower seeds. His goal was to earn a prize from the seed company's catalog. His memories reveal the hidden struggles of middle-class life in the early 1960s, a time that many people living today picture as ideal. When neighbors invite AJ into their homes, they also invite him into their private worlds of successes, failures, and dreams. At the same time, AJ discovers his true talents, and he faces the dysfunction that may tear his family apart.
By experiencing an intimate look at a cross-section of American life from the past, Jenny realizes how our present American life is painfully similar. Ultimately, she must decide whether to unmask harsh realities or to maintain pleasant illusions.
- GenresEbooks
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2023
14 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Thomas DeConna
2 books6 followersThomas DeConna grew up in New Jersey, and for thirty-nine years taught English, mostly to high school students. He has poetry and short stories published in a number of literary journals. Season of Restorations is his first novel. The story's setting is New Jersey because, as the author has discovered, along with the most powerful forms of nature, life moves in a circle.
He lives in Colorado with Sheryl, his wife of forty-five years.
He lives in Colorado with Sheryl, his wife of forty-five years.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 25, 2024
This is a lovely written book and I found it so charming. I loved the stories and I enjoyed the scene setting which was done really well. The characters were all distinctive and I could really sense what picture the author was creating. However, this was very much a visual book. By that I mean pictures were painted by words but the story wasn't really deep. And that's ok. I think there us a lot left to the imagination.
I enjoyed the interactions and the idea that the main narrator actually doesn't say much at all.
All in all a solid piece of lirlterary fiction.
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC
I enjoyed the interactions and the idea that the main narrator actually doesn't say much at all.
All in all a solid piece of lirlterary fiction.
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC
October 22, 2023
I received this ARC through NetGalley (thanks to Black Rose Writing!) in exchange for an honest review.
“And because of that, I faced a dilemma: should a journalist’s duty reveal the truth, or should a person’s emotions conceal it?”
Throughout this story, we see little of Jenny Smith, a young journalist who has been given the opportunity to interview famous but reclusive AJ Kenton. Instead, Kenton himself tells the story of him going door-to-door in his neighbourhood selling flower seeds, providing Jenny not with an interview, but with one last story that could make her career if she decides to tell the truth. Through AJ's eyes, we are taken into many different households, many of which look at the picturesque image of American life (at least in the 1960s) on the outside. However, those living within those homes tell the young AJ their secrets and dreams, all whilst AJ himself deals with the issues of his own home life.
DeConna writes well, and Accustomed to the Dark is an easy book to read. The descriptions provide the reader with the imagery necessary to picture the scene, and it is interesting to see the different dynamics between each household, particularly in regard to the actions some have had to take to keep themselves safe as a result of the time period. Some of the dialogue feels a little stilted and at times, the plot seems to lose itself a bit, hence the lower rating, but all in all this was an easy and enjoyable read. Some parts may have benefitted from being expanded upon, as I know that I would have loved to hear more about some of these families, but it is an interesting take on the duty of journalism and honesty, and a sense of hope overlays even the darkest of pages.
“And because of that, I faced a dilemma: should a journalist’s duty reveal the truth, or should a person’s emotions conceal it?”
Throughout this story, we see little of Jenny Smith, a young journalist who has been given the opportunity to interview famous but reclusive AJ Kenton. Instead, Kenton himself tells the story of him going door-to-door in his neighbourhood selling flower seeds, providing Jenny not with an interview, but with one last story that could make her career if she decides to tell the truth. Through AJ's eyes, we are taken into many different households, many of which look at the picturesque image of American life (at least in the 1960s) on the outside. However, those living within those homes tell the young AJ their secrets and dreams, all whilst AJ himself deals with the issues of his own home life.
DeConna writes well, and Accustomed to the Dark is an easy book to read. The descriptions provide the reader with the imagery necessary to picture the scene, and it is interesting to see the different dynamics between each household, particularly in regard to the actions some have had to take to keep themselves safe as a result of the time period. Some of the dialogue feels a little stilted and at times, the plot seems to lose itself a bit, hence the lower rating, but all in all this was an easy and enjoyable read. Some parts may have benefitted from being expanded upon, as I know that I would have loved to hear more about some of these families, but it is an interesting take on the duty of journalism and honesty, and a sense of hope overlays even the darkest of pages.
October 23, 2023
A Charming and Addictive Read
There is something wonderfully old fashioned about Thomas DeConna’s Accustomed to the Dark. I could see that by calling this novella old fashioned that it might be perceived as qualified praise. It is not. The work is so comfortable and enjoyable that I read it a second time, just to keep my good mood. The premise is deceptively simple: a famous children’s book author, AJ Kenton, uses the occasion of a rare interview late in life to reveal a seminal year of his youth when he sold seeds to neighbors. AJ’s encounters with those neighbors give work its breadth, depth, and humor.
In many ways, this novella is about the stories behind closed doors, stories like the seeds AJ sells, that blossom through the influence of this kind, sensitive narrator. With his own family problems, AJ listens with sympathy and without judgment, providing a back window to peer into the private lives of community members.
After her husband abandons her, Mrs. Warren speaks for many of the characters and for most of us, when she says, “I made a new life. All right, a small life, but it was my life.” Capturing the evolving yearnings of genders, culture, economics, and sexuality, Accustomed to the Dark gives gravity and relevance to these small lives.
DeConna has a terrific ear, whether it is capturing the ethnic rhythms of the Irish priests and the Italian Mr. Novello or the blue-blood intonations of some of the wealthier characters. I particularly enjoyed the warm and amusing scene with the Goldstein neighbors. With the Goldsteins and with most of the characters, a desire to break beyond societal expectations courses through the novella. As Mrs. Billings, a major influence on AJ, explained, “You see, freedom never comes freely.” Ultimately, the reader comes to understand what happened during that very time behind the closed doors of AJ’s home, delivering revelations of power and poignancy.
Yet, despite a darkness that pervades the lives of the characters, DeConna has buoyed this narrative with such a penetrating understanding of individuals – whether their hopes have been extinguished or rekindled – that the reader is fully invested.
The bottom line: Thomas DeConna’s Accustomed to the Dark is one charming and addictive read.
There is something wonderfully old fashioned about Thomas DeConna’s Accustomed to the Dark. I could see that by calling this novella old fashioned that it might be perceived as qualified praise. It is not. The work is so comfortable and enjoyable that I read it a second time, just to keep my good mood. The premise is deceptively simple: a famous children’s book author, AJ Kenton, uses the occasion of a rare interview late in life to reveal a seminal year of his youth when he sold seeds to neighbors. AJ’s encounters with those neighbors give work its breadth, depth, and humor.
In many ways, this novella is about the stories behind closed doors, stories like the seeds AJ sells, that blossom through the influence of this kind, sensitive narrator. With his own family problems, AJ listens with sympathy and without judgment, providing a back window to peer into the private lives of community members.
After her husband abandons her, Mrs. Warren speaks for many of the characters and for most of us, when she says, “I made a new life. All right, a small life, but it was my life.” Capturing the evolving yearnings of genders, culture, economics, and sexuality, Accustomed to the Dark gives gravity and relevance to these small lives.
DeConna has a terrific ear, whether it is capturing the ethnic rhythms of the Irish priests and the Italian Mr. Novello or the blue-blood intonations of some of the wealthier characters. I particularly enjoyed the warm and amusing scene with the Goldstein neighbors. With the Goldsteins and with most of the characters, a desire to break beyond societal expectations courses through the novella. As Mrs. Billings, a major influence on AJ, explained, “You see, freedom never comes freely.” Ultimately, the reader comes to understand what happened during that very time behind the closed doors of AJ’s home, delivering revelations of power and poignancy.
Yet, despite a darkness that pervades the lives of the characters, DeConna has buoyed this narrative with such a penetrating understanding of individuals – whether their hopes have been extinguished or rekindled – that the reader is fully invested.
The bottom line: Thomas DeConna’s Accustomed to the Dark is one charming and addictive read.
November 17, 2023
Thomas De-Conna writes a dramatic tale with Accustomed to the Dark
In Accustomed to the Dark, the reader is introduced to AJ Kenton, who is a reclusive famous author. There are reasons why he became reclusive, and Jenny Smith, a young journalist wants to make her mark with a very important interview. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. What I liked about this story is that he sits down with Jenny, and tells her his story, and he starts with his childhood. Jenny doesn't have to ask questions, as he talks and shares his life with her. How he grew up, how he lived and had to make money as a young boy. He describes his stories and reveals secrets that others may look at the outside life as ideal, but behind closed doors, it is anything but ideal. The stories are not just AJ sharing his life, but they affect Jenny. Through AJ, Thomas De-Conna not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. A timeless tale, and there were many things not only Jenny learned but the reader learned as well. In all our years on this earth, some things never change, and nothing is ever as it seems. Breathtaking! Brilliant writing! A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! A well-written plot. I have fast become a big fan of Thomas De-Conna. When you read it, take your time, and imagine yourself sitting in the room with AJ and Jenny, and think about AJ's story. Accustomed to the Dark is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
In Accustomed to the Dark, the reader is introduced to AJ Kenton, who is a reclusive famous author. There are reasons why he became reclusive, and Jenny Smith, a young journalist wants to make her mark with a very important interview. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. What I liked about this story is that he sits down with Jenny, and tells her his story, and he starts with his childhood. Jenny doesn't have to ask questions, as he talks and shares his life with her. How he grew up, how he lived and had to make money as a young boy. He describes his stories and reveals secrets that others may look at the outside life as ideal, but behind closed doors, it is anything but ideal. The stories are not just AJ sharing his life, but they affect Jenny. Through AJ, Thomas De-Conna not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. A timeless tale, and there were many things not only Jenny learned but the reader learned as well. In all our years on this earth, some things never change, and nothing is ever as it seems. Breathtaking! Brilliant writing! A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! A well-written plot. I have fast become a big fan of Thomas De-Conna. When you read it, take your time, and imagine yourself sitting in the room with AJ and Jenny, and think about AJ's story. Accustomed to the Dark is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
April 22, 2025
Accustomed to the Dark is an exquisite exploration of youthful metamorphosis through the eyes of Thomas DeConna's protagonist, AJ Kenton. Journalist Jenny Smith’s career-defining interview with the reclusive author becomes a transformative journey as he unravels his adolescence. Set in the 1960s, the narrative harmoniously juxtaposes AJ’s ambitions with the harsh realities faced by the youth of that era.
DeConna introduces a vibrant cast of characters as vital stepping stones in AJ’s growth. Mrs. Billings embodies nurturing guidance, fostering a sense of belonging, while Mrs. Newcross challenges societal expectations and prompts introspection. Mr. Carter reinforces the weight of responsibility and discipline, crafting a rich tapestry of life lessons.
DeConna delivers a profound social commentary with meticulous attention to emotional detail, peeling back the layers of suburban life and unveiling marginalized communities' intricate struggles and dreams. Moreover, his lyrical prose paints sparkling imagery that evokes the era's zeitgeist. Accustomed to the Dark is more than just a coming-of-age story; it’s an evocative reminder of the power of connection and understanding in shaping one's identity.
DeConna introduces a vibrant cast of characters as vital stepping stones in AJ’s growth. Mrs. Billings embodies nurturing guidance, fostering a sense of belonging, while Mrs. Newcross challenges societal expectations and prompts introspection. Mr. Carter reinforces the weight of responsibility and discipline, crafting a rich tapestry of life lessons.
DeConna delivers a profound social commentary with meticulous attention to emotional detail, peeling back the layers of suburban life and unveiling marginalized communities' intricate struggles and dreams. Moreover, his lyrical prose paints sparkling imagery that evokes the era's zeitgeist. Accustomed to the Dark is more than just a coming-of-age story; it’s an evocative reminder of the power of connection and understanding in shaping one's identity.
April 22, 2025
In Accustomed to the Dark, Thomas DeConna brilliantly intertwines the past with the present, offering readers a moving exploration of youth and identity. Through the lens of twenty-four-year-old journalist Jenny Smith, we are introduced to the reclusive author AJ Kenton, who recounts the pivotal moments of his adolescence in a small suburban town during the 1960s.
The ambition to sell flower seeds compels AJ to venture beyond his comfort zone, leading to encounters with figures like Mrs. Billings, whose support proves vital, and the complex Mrs. Newcross, who forces him to confront his understanding of self. These characters provide layers of emotional depth that enrich the narrative and reflect the societal fabric of the time.
DeConna’s storytelling masterfully navigates themes of empathy, social justice, and the multifaceted nature of growth. His prose is beautifully immersive, capturing the challenges and triumphs of adolescence with an authenticity that lingers long after the final page. Accustomed to the Dark is a haunting meditation on perseverance, identity, and the enduring impact of formative experiences—an unforgettable journey that will resonate with readers of all generations.
The ambition to sell flower seeds compels AJ to venture beyond his comfort zone, leading to encounters with figures like Mrs. Billings, whose support proves vital, and the complex Mrs. Newcross, who forces him to confront his understanding of self. These characters provide layers of emotional depth that enrich the narrative and reflect the societal fabric of the time.
DeConna’s storytelling masterfully navigates themes of empathy, social justice, and the multifaceted nature of growth. His prose is beautifully immersive, capturing the challenges and triumphs of adolescence with an authenticity that lingers long after the final page. Accustomed to the Dark is a haunting meditation on perseverance, identity, and the enduring impact of formative experiences—an unforgettable journey that will resonate with readers of all generations.
October 23, 2023
Accustomed to the Dark, the title of DeConna’s charming novel, is also the title of the main character’s, A J Kenton, charming children’s book. But the children’s book does not have the dark twist present in DeConna’s novel about a neglected teen with a mentally ill mother. When Kenton is elderly and isolated, he tells the secret story of his youth to a young journalist. Like nesting dolls, the secret stories of others he knew are bundled into his own sad tale.
The teenaged Kenton sells packages of seeds to his neighbors, a diverse lot of different races, religions, and ethnicities. His quiet respect earns him meals, affection, advice, and glimpses of their hidden lives as well as quarters for the packages. One of his own secrets is that he is saving for a paint set, not the pocket knife boys of his era are supposed to desire.
The journalist in the framing chapters is left with a moral dilemma—“out” the truth about Kenton or preserve the figure who has brought so much pleasure to children? DeConna leaves it to the reader to ponder whether the value of truth always outweighs its cost.
The teenaged Kenton sells packages of seeds to his neighbors, a diverse lot of different races, religions, and ethnicities. His quiet respect earns him meals, affection, advice, and glimpses of their hidden lives as well as quarters for the packages. One of his own secrets is that he is saving for a paint set, not the pocket knife boys of his era are supposed to desire.
The journalist in the framing chapters is left with a moral dilemma—“out” the truth about Kenton or preserve the figure who has brought so much pleasure to children? DeConna leaves it to the reader to ponder whether the value of truth always outweighs its cost.
October 23, 2023
A young man's emotional coming-of-age
13-year-old AJ is excited to begin a new, simple project, selling garden seeds to obtain a gift for himself from a company catalog, either the complete paint set he really wants or the pocketknife his dad recommends. What he doesn’t realize is that this business venture will take him into the homes and lives of neighbors he’s always known but doesn’t really know at all. In the process, he begins to understand things about his own life and family. Told from the perspective of an older AJ being interviewed by a young reporter, we learn AJ’s story and meet his buyers and their own particular histories. DeConna tells this tale with brilliant writing including some of the most hauntingly beautiful sentences I’ve ever read.
I loved autumn, even though it flowed with decay.
They never shouted and it was years later when I learned that shouting at someone requires a deeper level of regard.
DeConna has the writing strength and ability to make the reader feel AJ’s own confusion, compassion, and determination as he focuses on his goal, while escaping his own emotions relating to his home and the complexities of his parent’s marriage.
13-year-old AJ is excited to begin a new, simple project, selling garden seeds to obtain a gift for himself from a company catalog, either the complete paint set he really wants or the pocketknife his dad recommends. What he doesn’t realize is that this business venture will take him into the homes and lives of neighbors he’s always known but doesn’t really know at all. In the process, he begins to understand things about his own life and family. Told from the perspective of an older AJ being interviewed by a young reporter, we learn AJ’s story and meet his buyers and their own particular histories. DeConna tells this tale with brilliant writing including some of the most hauntingly beautiful sentences I’ve ever read.
I loved autumn, even though it flowed with decay.
They never shouted and it was years later when I learned that shouting at someone requires a deeper level of regard.
DeConna has the writing strength and ability to make the reader feel AJ’s own confusion, compassion, and determination as he focuses on his goal, while escaping his own emotions relating to his home and the complexities of his parent’s marriage.
January 19, 2024
This book is a quick read and is well written as it looks at lives of people in a small town in the 1960’s. The story line is tied together by the visits a 13 year old makes to homes in town, as he tries to sell flower seed packets. The various visitations could be short stories as everyone has a story to tell the boy about their lives and what has made them the person they are . The immaturity of the boy makes it hard to believe people just opened up to him. I liked their stories and the messages they imparted on him.
The boy ,grown became a famous author and he is telling these stories to a young writer.
I knew the 60s in the way the author describes them, the prejudices, the limitations, the expectations. This is captured very well. But the credibility of the way the story is put together did not work for me.
Read as an ARC from LibraryThing.
The boy ,grown became a famous author and he is telling these stories to a young writer.
I knew the 60s in the way the author describes them, the prejudices, the limitations, the expectations. This is captured very well. But the credibility of the way the story is put together did not work for me.
Read as an ARC from LibraryThing.
February 26, 2024
During an interview, reclusive author AJ Kenton recounts his 1960s childhood story of selling flower seed packets door to door and the hidden struggles revealed when his neighbors invited him into their homes.
ACCUSTOMED TO THE DARK explores the things not always said. As AJ describes his memories of traveling door to door in his neighborhood to sell seed packets, we see a slice of what 1960s rural small-town life was like for middle-class America, what many people desperately tried to keep hidden from others, what they so badly needed to set free, and how this time which in the present day seems so ideal is really not that different. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed the writing. I found the ending to be a bit of a letdown though.
Overall, ACCUSTOMED TO THE DARK was a good read. Thank you to Black Rose Writing for the gifted copy.
ACCUSTOMED TO THE DARK explores the things not always said. As AJ describes his memories of traveling door to door in his neighborhood to sell seed packets, we see a slice of what 1960s rural small-town life was like for middle-class America, what many people desperately tried to keep hidden from others, what they so badly needed to set free, and how this time which in the present day seems so ideal is really not that different. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed the writing. I found the ending to be a bit of a letdown though.
Overall, ACCUSTOMED TO THE DARK was a good read. Thank you to Black Rose Writing for the gifted copy.
October 9, 2023
This novel is very well-written, with beautiful imagery of ordinary things, like people's kitchens and living rooms. It was a little tedious at times to read through each person's monologues to an 8th grade boy (and strange, too, because why would a grown woman refer to her sex life to a child?). I found the juxtaposition between each household interesting, especially in relation to the character's own home life, which was always gray, stagnant, and full of passive aggression.
I am sure this novel accurately portrays mentalities and interactions in the 1960s, but this was the whitest, Christian, male, heterosexual novel I've ever read. I found the ending anticlimactic and Jenny-the-journalist a rather flat character.
I am sure this novel accurately portrays mentalities and interactions in the 1960s, but this was the whitest, Christian, male, heterosexual novel I've ever read. I found the ending anticlimactic and Jenny-the-journalist a rather flat character.
November 7, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
3.5
As much as I enjoyed the stories, the end was very anticlimactic. It wasn't what I was expecting (or wanting) but it did fit the theme.
The imagery was amazing though, it painted a clear picture and it brought a lot of the stories to life.
Every story shared brought new perspective and added a layer to our main character. The dynamics between his own home life and that of others, and seeing it as he is discovering it, was by far my favorite part.
I do wish there had been more depth to Jenny, but overall it makes for a great read.
3.5
As much as I enjoyed the stories, the end was very anticlimactic. It wasn't what I was expecting (or wanting) but it did fit the theme.
The imagery was amazing though, it painted a clear picture and it brought a lot of the stories to life.
Every story shared brought new perspective and added a layer to our main character. The dynamics between his own home life and that of others, and seeing it as he is discovering it, was by far my favorite part.
I do wish there had been more depth to Jenny, but overall it makes for a great read.
January 11, 2024
A beautiful book about people’s struggles
I loved Accustomed to the Dark. I really
like the format of a boy visiting his neighbours
to sell flower seeds. The neighbours reveal themselves to him in all their complexity.
It is a beautiful book about people’s struggles.
I loved Accustomed to the Dark. I really
like the format of a boy visiting his neighbours
to sell flower seeds. The neighbours reveal themselves to him in all their complexity.
It is a beautiful book about people’s struggles.
April 30, 2024
Deep deep deep
A beautiful story on humanity and simpler times where a grandma only shook her head at a child eating bugs because she seen the chickens do it. Problems stay the same people do not. Just be kind to each other.
A beautiful story on humanity and simpler times where a grandma only shook her head at a child eating bugs because she seen the chickens do it. Problems stay the same people do not. Just be kind to each other.
June 11, 2024
What a nice SUMMER read. Hopeful and basic humanity.
This is a sweet book. It was a nice read and I think you will really enjoy it. It certainly makes you think.
This is a sweet book. It was a nice read and I think you will really enjoy it. It certainly makes you think.
November 28, 2025
Well-written
This book is well-written, but its format could be a simple collection of short stories that make you think about life, without providing any answers or new ideas.
This book is well-written, but its format could be a simple collection of short stories that make you think about life, without providing any answers or new ideas.
May 1, 2024
Deeply Thoughtful Book
This book has many levels to it. We, as normal folks, become accustomed to not seeing the darkness in our everyday lives. The author presents us with a 13-year-old boy who is being exposed to the private pain and joy of his neighbors in a small rural town. The story moves well. It leaves plenty to think about and helps to ponder our lives.
This book has many levels to it. We, as normal folks, become accustomed to not seeing the darkness in our everyday lives. The author presents us with a 13-year-old boy who is being exposed to the private pain and joy of his neighbors in a small rural town. The story moves well. It leaves plenty to think about and helps to ponder our lives.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews