Sometimes, you come across a book that has been out in Dutch much earlier than in English. I read both languages, so no problemo for me. When the Fireflies Dance by Aisha Hassan is such a book. It has been out in the Netherlands since July, but the English version isn’t published until December. Nevertheless, the synopsis drew me in straight away and it was not the question if I would read it, but rather when. I saw many positive reviews about this book and I therefore knew it needed to be prioritized, not knowing that the English edition isn’t even out in the world yet. My expectations were high nonetheless as this sounds right up my alley. This book met all my expectations. They have been a bit biased by other reviewers, but they have been right all along. This review obviously is based on the Dutch translation of this book, De jongen die de vuurvliegjes volgde. I have to admit that it’s hard to find correct info on the English edition though, some specify a pub date in June, others in December 2025.

When the Fireflies Dance by Aisha Hassan
Published by Orion on December 2, 2025
Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1398720206
Genres: Adult, General fiction, Literary fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

At the age of seven, Lalloo witnessed his brother getting murdered close to his family’s hut on the outskirts of Lahore. The family lives and works at a brickyard. They slave brick by brick to pay off their debts. However, at the age of seven, Lalloo is dropped off in the city in order to keep him save and he knows he won’t see his family again for a very long time. Now, fourteen years later, Lalloo is raising some money and making name for himself in Lahore. He found a job and is saving every single rupee he possibly could to rescue his family from their slavery in the brickyard where the kiln chimney churns black smoke into the sky and where the memories of that faithful night still linger. Yet, he realises that freedom comes with unimaginable sacrifices, especially when falling in love with a girl he thought he had lost forever. Will Lalloo be able to both rescue his family and maintain this rekindled relationship or are the sacrifices to great to keep it all together?

If you’re looking for a feel-good book with a happy ending, this is the wrong novel for you. This all stems from the dire circumstances in which protagonist Lalloo and his family find themselves. Hassan jumps back and forth between the present and the past through flashbacks, giving you a good sense of life before and after that tragic night. From the very first page, Lalloo’s strong sense of responsibility toward his family is clear. He wants to get them out of the brickyard at all costs, as they are practically slave laborers. After all, he is in a position to make this possible. However, he walks a fine line between his envisioned goal and the sacrifices he must make. Besides wanting to be reunited with his family and bring them to freedom and safety, he doesn’t want to lose his life in Lahore. From a young age, Lalloo encounters people with hidden agendas. Yet, he hasn’t lost his faith in humanity or his resilience. He proves to be inventive and creative, as life throws up many obstacles for him. Everything that happens to him makes him a layered character. The supporting characters are elaborated well too, even though some of them are downright villainous.

Because the author uses flashbacks that paint a complete picture of Lalloo’s situation, this novel is immediately intriguing. You want to keep reading because you’re curious about what happened and also because you hope everything will turn out well. These characters don’t have it easy, and this is made clear. The consequences of years of hard work in a squalid environment are painfully captured, and it’s crystal clear that these circumstances won’t be sustainable for anyone much longer. This book focuses primarily on the characters and how they cope with the situation depicted in the plot. Alongside the harsh reality, there’s room for hope, which is used effectively. Yet, the depressing element prevails, even though it provides a good glimpse into what life can be like in another country and culture, and how wide the gap between rich and poor still is in parts of the world. The flowing writing style makes this a story that, despite its poignant themes, is easy to read.

All in all, Where the Fireflies Dance by Aisha Hassan is a strong debut. It has deeper layers because the main character, Lalloo, is torn between his goal and the sacrifices he must make to achieve it. This is clear from the start, and the character is well-developed. The supporting characters are not forgotten though. Some are quite villainous, which only adds to the depth of the book. Heavy themes are not avoided. The flowing writing style makes the story easy to read. Are you looking for a novel that offers more insight into life in another part of the world where the gap between rich and poor defines everyday life? Then this book is highly recommended.