The Rundown
Hidden In The Dark is a hard-hitting story that provides an uncomfortable, though gripping read. The story of Genny, her abusive husband Randall, and their three daughters, Lilly, Randi and Raine, is told in the third person, moving between the characters viewpoints and dipping backwards and forwards between the past and the present day. Genny, who married Randall in good faith, is soon alarmed to discover the brutal violence that simmers just below the surface. As the years fall by, she becomes a mother and tries to remain on the right side of her husband. In the present day, she has finally had enough. The girls have left home and all but disowned their parents. Genny leaves and seeks shelter with the youngest girl, Raine. Meanwhile, Randi and the eldest daughter Lilly, are back in each other’s lives when Lilly falls pregnant after an affair and childless Randi offers to adopt the baby.
This was a second storyline that ran alongside the main one concerning Randall and the abuse of the past. Raine, the youngest, is perhaps the most troubled of all, and this becomes increasingly clear as the narrative delves into the history of her imaginary friend, Shanti. Eventually, discouraged by the coldness of her children, who all blame her for their traumatic childhood’s, Genny returns home, only to find Randall missing. What happened to him and who is responsible involves some particularly gory and violent scenes.
Stories from the girls’ childhoods are also shocking and disturbing, and I couldn’t help feel the narrative relayed the events in a rather cold, detached tone. Therefore, I found it hard to relate to or feel close to any of the characters. Nevertheless, the plot is cleverly arranged, the story gripping and although simple, the writing does enough to paint the appropriately traumatic picture needed to tell this story. I was slightly disappointed with the ending, which felt a little abrupt. Again, I was left feeling rather detached from it all and like I had not really got to grips with the characters. I can’t fault the plot though. Shocking with unexpected twists and turns.
The Recommendation
A shocking story of brutal domestic and child abuse, this is not a story for the faint-hearted. Dark, disturbing, tragic and shocking, the plot weaves the past and present together and offers a grim glimpse into many troubled minds. Genuinely gripping.
The Rating
3.5 Stars (out of 5): Pretty good. For the right audience, this could be great. Sure, there were some issues, but it was still worth the read.
The Pros & Cons
Pros: Page Turner, PlotCons: Character Developement
