The Hideaway: an evening with Pam Smy
11/09/2021 6:00 pm | Blackwell's Bookshop, 53-62 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YS
Join Pam Smy and Vivian French as they discuss Pam’s highly anticipated new book, The Hideaway, at Blackwell’s of Edinburgh.
Chaired by talented bestselling author and MBE recipient, Vivian French. Come along to what will undoubtedly be a truly inspiring evening, discussing The Hideaway, the sketchbook-to-published-book journey and Pam’s remarkable career to date. This is the perfect event for graphic novel readers, book lovers and anyone who thinks actually they might have a book in them and wants to know where to begin.
The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Covid 19 Precautions will be adhered to ensure the safety of our attendees, authors and booksellers. Please do not attend the event if you are displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have been advised to self-isolate. Blackwell asks that all ticket holders wear a face mask whilst in the shop, medical exemptions will continue to apply. For more information or if you would like a signed copy because you can’t make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell’s events team on 0131 622 8222 or matthew.land@blackwell.co.uk
ABOUT THE BOOK
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 middle grade readers right up to adults.
Billy’s story is illustrated throughout with tonal and textured black and white drawings, until the event on All Souls’ Eve, when the text gives way to a series of double-page images of the supernatural happening.
The Hideaway is a compelling, exciting and emotional story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pam Smy studied Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, where she now lectures part-time. Pam has illustrated books by Conan Doyle (The Hound of the Baskervilles), Julia Donaldson (Follow the Swallow) and Kathy Henderson (Hush, Baby, Hush!), among others. She lives in Cambridge. Her first novel, Thornhill was a critical and commercial success, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the UKLA Book Awards, and the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2018 and winning the 2018 British Book Design & Production Award for Graphic Novels.
When: Saturday September 11th, 6pm
Where: Blackwell’s Bookshop, 53-62 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YS
Tickets: Registration for this event is free