The Hiding Place
Trezza Azzopardi

Picador 2001

282p pbk $21.00

ISBN: 0-330-48041-3

The Hiding Place is a realistic book that follows the life of a young girl named Dolores Gauci and her family. The Gaucis are a Welsh family living in Malta. Dolores father is a compulsive gambler who becomes responsible for the familys downfall in financial status as well as the loss of his daughter when he gambles on her living arrangements.  Dolores is the victim of a tragic fire accident which cost her, her hand and drove her sister, Fran into the arms of pyromania.

The Gaucis are a very dark family with many deep secrets and many problems, which lead to the eventual break up of the family. Thirty years later, Dolores is reunited with her sisters and thus, forced to face the pains of her past and the harsh truths behind the familys break up.

Short-listed for the Booker Prize, The Hiding Place is an interesting book. However, it is slightly dark and depressing and may have the effect of dampening the readers spirits. It is a little complicated and hard to follow, thus, it would be more appropriate for an older reader.

Laila, Year 11, Canberra, ACT