The Starry Night by Nzan Kikon tells the captivating story of Ben, a young man entangled in a constant battle to reconcile with his father. Amidst the challenges of his turbulent family life, Ben finds solace in his deep fascination with Van Gogh’s masterpiece. Determined to mend the fractures within his hurting family, he remains fixated on the painting’s beauty. However, a devastating event shatters their already fragile bonds, leading Ben to flee from home, leaving behind his troubles.
After a prolonged absence of seven years, Ben musters the courage to return. In his journey back, he confronts painful realities about his imperfect father that had remained concealed for so long. The novel portrays a compelling exploration of family dynamics, love, and forgiveness, as Ben seeks to heal the wounds of the past and find his own path amidst the starry night of life’s uncertainties.