Francis Anderson’s Gripping Debut Novel ‘Glass and Darkness’Turns One Boy’s Story into a Mirror of the Modern World

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND — Glass and Darkness, the debut novel by Scottish‑based writer Francis Anderson, is rapidly emerging as a standout title in contemporary African literary fiction. Set in the turbulent streets of late‑1990s Lagos, the book delivers a gripping coming‑of‑age story that blends friendship, betrayal, gang influence, and the fight for identity in a world defined by danger and opportunity.

At the centre of Glass and Darkness is Tobi, a young boy navigating the pressures of family expectations, school hierarchies, and the violent undercurrents of his city. His closest friend—once a source of protection—slowly becomes a darker presence, forcing Tobi to confront the painful question: “What happens when the boy who saved you becomes the man who could destroy you?”

The novel’s Lagos setting is richly drawn, offering readers an immersive look into the city’s streets, schools, and social structures. Fans of African fiction, urban drama, and emotionally charged coming‑of‑age narratives will find the book especially compelling.

A Story Rooted in Lived Experience

What sets Glass and Darkness apart is its authenticity. The novel is inspired by Anderson’s own experiences of escaping gang influence, overcoming health challenges, and confronting recurring childhood dreams. His personal history gives the story a raw emotional depth that resonates long after the final page.

As Anderson reflects, “We live in a world that consistently conditions people, particularly boys, to conceal their vulnerability – to hide their fear.” This theme—what becomes of the fears we bury—runs through the novel, shaping its exploration of masculinity, trauma, and resilience.

The book blends emotional intensity, cultural specificity, and universal themes that position it strongly for book clubs, literary features, and readers seeking fresh voices in contemporary fiction.

About the Author

Francis Anderson is a doctoral scholar, community advocate, and engineer. His accolades include being a two-time winner of the Climate Innovation Award, the winner of the AFBE-UK Big Idea competition, and a recipient of the CIOB Scottish Trailblazer of the Year Award. He lives in Aberdeen, Scotland, where his passion for storytelling began to take shape. His debut novel, Glass and Darkness, is based on his own experiences of escaping the grip of a gang, surviving health challenges, and confronting haunting dreams that nearly stole his childhood. Through his writing, Anderson tells stories that inspire, uplift, and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. When he is not writing, Anderson enjoys travelling, exploring breathtaking landscapes, savouring good food, and hiking across Scotland’s unforgettable highlands. His work invites readers to peer ‘through the glass, darkly’ into the fragile truths and ignorance that shape human experience.

Where to Buy the Book

Glass and Darkness is available now on Amazon worldwide: