Based on Les Misérables and set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, this dazzling novel stars Pong, an orphan who’s lived in prison since the day he was born. When Pong suddenly gets the chance to escape, it seems like the luckiest break of his life—until he realizes the outside world has serious problems of its own. Christina Soontornvat talks about her book, reveals how she came up with its unique setting, shares advice for aspiring writers, and reads one intriguing chapter.

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Christina Soontornvat, A Wish in the Dark, All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team