A review by thehommeboii
Hide by Matthew Griffin

challenging emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I've been reflecting heavily on my readiness and desire to have a life partner in this past year, announcing my wish to start finding someone to share love, build memories and a life with. In other words, I want to overcome the bitter difficulties of finding someone who wants the same thing and enjoy the sweet fruit(cakes) that should come upon finding him. Hide is a not-so-gentle reminder of the bitterness that may come later on in a relationship, not because you no longer love this person, but because poor health has turned them into someone you no longer recognize. It is an exploration of our obligation to our life partner in sickness and in health, the pain we may inflict upon our partners and ourselves in the process of care. I found myself frequently frustrated with Frank as experienced by Wendell in a way that made me wonder whether I truly am ready for a life partner.

Griffin succeeds in giving us a fresh and unique perspective - a surviving gay couple that no longer has to hide, but has lived through enough time in hiding that the fears linger, sacrifices are made, and time can not be turned back. In Wendell, we also get a taxidermist, the writing on which I have seldom if ever encountered and offers readers something different. It feels amazing to have read something that has something new to offer.

Would make for an interesting companion read to Thomas Savage's The Power of the Dog.