Dark at the Crossing Summary
Elliot Ackerman

Dark at the Crossing Overview

Elliot Ackerman's novel explores the human need to have something to live for and the need to have a home, a place of rest, belonging, and community. The third-person narrator speaks from Haris' perspective throughout most of the novel, set in contemporary Turkey near the Syrian border. Haris came to Turkey because he wanted to cross the border to fight for the Free Army, but eventually he replaces that purpose with loyalty to Daphne, a Syrian woman who needs to cross the border. The novel delves into themes of rebuilding, home, purpose, money, and guilt.