The Hideaway: Pam Smy on ‘In the Reading Corner’ Podcast & Resource Pack

Pam Smy talks to Nikki Gamble about her highly anticipated second novel, The Hideaway.

Pam describes the different threads that are woven together to create the dual narrative story, the techniques used for verbal and visual storytelling and the image creation.

The wonderful long-awaited second novel from Pam Smy, celebrated author and illustrator of Thornhill, The Hideaway tells the story of a boy, Billy McKenna, who runs away from a difficult situation at home and takes refuge in an overgrown graveyard. While hiding there he meets an elderly man who is tending the graves in preparation for a day in November when something magical is set to happen.

The book is written in two alternating narratives, both different aspects of the same story. One thread tells of Billy’s experience of hiding away in the graveyard, his mixed-up feelings and emotions, and the supernatural events he eventually witnesses. The other tells of his mother’s situation at home and the police search for Billy.

Covering themes of family, childhood, separation and reunion, domestic violence and doing the right thing, this is an important and beautiful book for teenagers and adults.

Listen to the podcast episode here. 

Find the UK teaching and reading group notes for The Hideaway below.