The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell

Samuel “Sam” Hill is a boy set apart from birth. Born with a rare condition called ocular albinism, Sam must learn to navigate a cruel world with a physical trait that most people do not understand. His eyes make him an outsider for most of his life: “[…] I looked into the mirror and stared at the two red circles gazing back at me. It is my first recollection of looking upon my reflection and wondering why I was different” (32). Throughout his journey toward maturity, he has many experiences that test his character, yet his kind-hearted nature remains. The narrative alternates between Sam’s childhood and his adult life to give context for his adult decisions and emotional struggles.

In elementary school, Sam endures daily ridicule from classmates. Called “Devil Boy” by many, he is labeled as different and dangerous. He is often lonely and isolated and finds even the pious nuns unjust in their care of him. Sam’s experiences in his developmental years are transformative, and the pain follows him into young adulthood, haunting his decisions and relationships. He sheds the satanic nickname but gains the ambiguous moniker “Sam Hell.” Through Sam’s character, the author illustrates the indelible effects of childhood bullying and how even a simple nickname can cause long-lasting harm.