Song for Night follows the journey of Nigerian boy soldier My Luck as he endeavours to re-attach himself to his platoon, following the unexpected detonation of a mine. The platoon is a special one, one whose job is focused on reconnaissance and mine clearance, and My Luck’s particular role is in the diffusing of mines, a job for which his small stature is particularly suited. My Luck has also been ’adapted’ for mine clearance, having his voice cords severed so he is unable to scream should he be blown up and severely wounded.

Narrated in the first-person by My Luck himself, Song for Night follows the boy soldier as he navigates his way across a war-torn landscape full of danger and horror. Pausing at times to reminisce on his time as a boy soldier, My Luck reveals the abominable acts he's been involved in, and the sights which have scarred his soul forever.

Definitely not recommended for the faint of heat, Song for Night offers a vivid a powerful impression of what it may be like to wander a veritable ‘Hell on Earth’, in an African civil war that’s left little for salvation. There are threads of hope running through the story which keep the reader on the right side of abject despair, but overall a grim story which reveals the abhorrent consequences of war.

At times My Luck's ‘visionary interludes’ can make things slightly confusing at times, but putting this aside Abani presents a truly praiseworthy piece of literature. Read it and you’ll remember it for many years to come. Just be prepared for the shocks. ( )

Song for Night is a story of a child soldier in West Africa (possibly the author's native Nigeria?), who gets separated from his platoon. While on a mission to find them, he is chased by the memories of losing his family and girlfriend, the people that he has killed, and the possibility of his own death. ( )

Exquisitely, heartbreakingly written. A window on a world I hope never to know. Abani's prose sing and the story uncovers itself beautifully. One warning, this is not an easy read. It's brutal, but nicely done. ( )

Brutal tale of teenager's experiences in West Africa after he becomes separated from his platoon. Not for the faint of heart. ( )