A review by orangeoverload
The Hideaway by Pam Smy

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Her writing is so gentle and relaxing. Even with the heavy subject matter, it feels calm and not shocking or gruesome like it could be. Very sad, but beautiful. The depictions of the graveyard and the general landscape are GORGEOUS. I find myself getting lost in her descriptions. I'm craving a quiet place filled with ivy and twigs to hide in. I think everyone needs a hideaway sometimes. I love how Billy loves his Mum, and how we are told that she has him at an early age, but has always loved and cared for him, and how she made an untidy but cosy family home together. That's all kids want really, a nice home and a loving parent. There is a comparison in the book of his Mum to something in the graveyard, and it was such clever writing that I couldn't help but smile. 

So, I've just now finished. And I am crying. Wow. I haven't cried because of a book in a long time. It was BEAUTIFUL.
The ending was so satisfying, the illustrations so atmospheric and emotive. I can't explain succinctly enough how the ending made me feel. Pam Smy is a fantastic writer and illustrator, she is a double threat and I am going to read anything and everything that she puts out into the world. Her work is outstanding. Read this book!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings