
HIDDEN
When you grow up with abuse, it follows you. The memories stomp into your adulthood. As a parent, you vow to protect your own children, but that's not always as simple as it seems.
SYNOPSIS
Mary Claire has always hidden. She simply stops existing and begins surviving. During the week, she feels like every other child—but on Fridays, before her father returns from the city, she slowly becomes invisible. It's the only way to stay safe.
At ten years old, Mary Claire begs God to take her father away. But someone else has plans for him.
Years later, Claire Stanton struggles with the secrets of her past. After her daughter becomes sullen and angry, she fears history may be repeating itself, and she takes matters into her own hands, vowing to make the abuser pay. No matter who she destroys in the process.
Life is complicated. Secrets are destructive. But the truth is explosive.
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REVIEWS
Great Debut Novel! by Skusi
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2021
For her debut novel, Mary Perrine has given readers a tour de force tale of abuse, survival, and redemption. Employing a series of flashbacks, Perrine establishes the fear, hate, and guilt her main character, Claire Stanton, experiences as a child growing up with an abusive “father”. Then, when a friend of her father sexually abuses her, Claire is further pushed into the role of a survivor. Confusion turns into anger, and Claire becomes secretive and bent on retribution. Years later, things intensify when, as a mother, Claire starts to see the tell-tale signs of abuse in her own daughter. As her rage comes to a boil, Claire discovers secrets all around her—culminating in the world coming full-circle.
Perrine, a life-long educator, writes with the fervor of one who understands the struggles abuse brings to the victims and everyone around them. The flashbacks build the case for Claire’s growing anger and desire for revenge—a short fuse that makes her jump to assumptions that reveal new secrets and heartbreaking discoveries. Nothing is as it seems, but Claire is determined to make sense of it all. Perrine’s sure writing keeps all the twists and turns grounded in reality, and the characters true. The eye-opening ending ties things up as Claire discovers who she really is.
A page-turner for the general reader, this is a must-read for victims of sexual and mental abuse, and those who support them.
HIDDEN is a rollercoaster ride you will love! by SRH
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2021
I finished it in 2 days and found more twists and turns than a roller coaster, and what a fun ride it was! I love trying to predict the endings of books I’m reading or even movies I’m watching (unfortunately for my husband who wants me to just be quiet)! Yet I didn’t see so many things coming in your beautiful writing, and loved the surprises! Thank you for writing HIDDEN: I know it was cathartic yet it IS powerful, sad, joyful, playful, and beautiful....all at the same time... Next question...who will play the lead characters when Hollywood comes knocking at your door???
Can’t wait to read Perrine's next one!❤️
A page-turner you won't be able to put down! by Jen Post
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2021
The vivid description in Hidden is both exciting and terrifying. As I read, I felt a deep connection to the plot and characters, making it impossible to put the book down. I can't wait for Perrine's 2nd book to release!
Well written. Keeps you wanting more. by dcb
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2021
This book popped up on my social media. I was intrigued by the description and had to get it. This book did not disappoint. The twists and turns keep you wanting more. You tell yourself that you will read one more chapter, but you will always want to know what is happening next, making it hard to put the book down.
Intriguing and suspenseful by B Christiansen
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2021
Hidden is the debut novel of Mary Perrine. It follows the struggles of little Claire, who uses hiding as a way to cope with an abusive father. As an adult, we see how she has become skillful in hiding her past from her friends and family until an event happens which starts to break down everything she has worked so hard to control. Through twists and turns, we learn more and more about Claire’s past as she tries to cope with dealing with her current struggles. The story is beautifully written and I enjoyed it very much. I was kept guessing until the very end.