These Things Hidden Book Review

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf

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Blurb:

When teenager Allison Glenn is sent to prison for a heinous crime, she leaves behind her reputation as Linden Falls' golden girl forever. Her parents deny the existence of their once-perfect child. Her former friends exult her downfall. But it's her shy, quiet sister, Brynn, who carries the burden of what really happened that night. She's the only person who can't forget the past that haunts her - especially when Allison is released to a halfway house, more determined than ever to see Brynn again.

Now their legacy of secrets is focused on one little boy. And if the truth is revealed, the consequences will be unimaginable for the adoptive mother who loves him, the girl who tried to protect him and the two sisters who hold the key to all that is hidden.

Review by Brittany:

I have read one book by this author previously, and after having read this one, I feel like this is an author who is willing to write about hard topics. This book does have some themes that may be difficult for some readers, although I think that it is very well done in this book.

As a warning, the crime that is discussed in this book is the death of a newborn. Allison is accused and found guilty of drowning her newborn baby, and the book takes place when she is released from prison five years after the crime. As the story continues, the pieces of the night are revealed a little at a time, so that the reader only understands what actually happened at the end of the book.

The story changes point of view by person, and there are four characters: Allison, Brynn, Charm, and Claire. Allison and Brynn are the two sisters who hold the secrets of what happened that night. Charm and Claire are somehow caught in the story, but how is not revealed until a little further in. The changing point of view was confusing at the beginning of the story, but as it continued, there was value in each person's point of view.

The ending of the book had a bit of a twist that I appreciated. The events of the night in question are not as the reader is led to believe the entire time, so the ending comes as a bit of a shock. The story is made even more tragic once the full truth is revealed.

I recommend this book for those who can separate themselves from the main topic. It is a hard thing to read about, but the story is such a good one. Character development is well done and there's a certain level of suspense that is maintained throughout the story that kept me turning pages. I do plan to read other books by this author.