Dickens & Rumi

book

The day is dark

Yrsa Sigurdardottir · 2013

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The day is dark by Yrsa Sigurdardottir. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Graphic injury; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Graphic injury3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The plot revolves around investigating violent deaths and murder.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Includes graphic details of crime scenes and post-mortem findings.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes occasional mild to moderate coarse language.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Contains minor elements of personal relationships, but not a primary focus.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Isolation, Arctic conditions, missing people, menace, and escalating investigation create sustained psychological suspense.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal sexual references, incidental to the narrative.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Alcohol consumption is depicted as part of social settings.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Features descriptions of murders and bodily harm associated with the crime investigation.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront isolation, uncertainty, and serious danger through persistence and investigative bravery.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Requires the reader to engage with complex mystery plotting and world-building.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited focus on diversity beyond the core Icelandic/Greenlandic cultural setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into Icelandic culture and the environment of Greenland.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters display empathy despite the grim circumstances of the investigation.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

Explores the consequences of past actions and uncovering truths, albeit in a dark context.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows professional integrity and persistence.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The day is dark would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The day is dark, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating