Reviews

Really beautiful with captivating illustrations and short chapters that keep the pace fast. It might be triggering for those who have experienced abuse, but it is a hopeful story full of love.

Way to tug at my heartstrings as if they belonged to a damned bow. Wow.

So rich in emotions, so strikingly sad and joyful at the same time.
Families broken and reunited, strangers coming together for the greater good. I just. Chef's kiss, this book.

If you want a roller-coaster of emotions or need a lil pick me up, try The Hideaway. Just be sure to have some tissues at hand when you do.

contemporarymeepsie's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

The Hideaway tells the story of Billy McKenna, a young teenage boy who runs away from home as he can't cope with the fighting anymore. He slips away one night to his hideaway, a pillbox hidden under ivy in All Soul's Graveyard.
I read this pretty immediately after reading Pam Smy's first book, Thornhill. In comparison I don't think this one held up as well as her first. But I still enjoyed reading it. I just thought the story was a little basic and the illustrations didn't really add to the story like they did with Thornhill. Now don't get me wrong, the illustrations were beautiful and I particularly liked the images for the crescendo of the story but the narrative was predictable and a little pedestrian. I wish it had been a bit more believable. But I enjoyed my time and it was an easy read at least.