Don’t Let Me Go – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Saturday, 24 September , 2011 at 9:44 pm
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Publisher: Black Swan
ISBN: 9780552776677
Don’t Let Me Go is a refreshing change in my reading schedule. Regular visitors will know I’m often found reading crime, thrillers and urban fantasy novels (as well as my niece’s books), but I jumped at the chance to read Catherine Ryan Hyde’s latest UK release.
Poor Grace sits alone on the step outside her apartment block. Grace knows that her mum loves her, but she knows that her mum loves drugs too. However, it won’t be long before ‘the woman from the county’ threatens to put her into care.
Hope for Grace comes in the unlikely form of Billy. He sees her from his apartment and worries why a ten-year-old girl would be sitting out there all alone. Only Billy hasn’t left his apartment in years and other people scare him.
Suddenly both their lives change. A plan is put into action, but it won’t be easy, because they have to take away the one thing her mum needs the most…
I loved all the characters in this book, well, maybe everyone except Grace’s mum and Mr Lafferty (the human not the cat – though you may have to read the book to understand that!). The way the book is written, I really felt like I got to know the characters. However, Billy has got to be my favourite. Billy hasn’t been out of his apartment in over a decade and what with his agoraphobia, anxiety disorder and panic attacks, Billy’s quite a quirky character! Grace brings him somewhat out of himself and gives him something, someone to care for. After having a near non-existent life for over a decade, Billy’s life is turned around by Grace. The book is just as much about Billy as it is about Grace.
While the story isn’t all plain sailing, I really do think that Don’t Let Me Go is an uplifting story. It’s like no matter how bad things get they can always be turned around, if you try hard enough. We see changes in people brought about by the people around them.
I read Don’t Let Me Go over 3 days and loved every page of it. I was compelled to keep turning the pages and would definitely recommend this book to others!
Don’t Let Me Go is released on 29th September 2011.
Pre-order Don’t Let Me Go by Catherine Ryan Hyde.
Check out my review of another of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books – Second Hand Heart.
Look out over the next week or so for my special “Meet the Author” post featuring the lovely Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Don’t Let Me Go (there may even be a giveaway!).
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Please note: I received this book free from Transworld Publishers in return for a review. However, this has in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
Comments (9)
Category: Books,Contemporary,Reviews,YA Fiction
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Comment by OldOldLady Of The Hills
Made Saturday, 24 of September , 2011 at 10:28 pm
This sounds like a really good book with wonderful characters—And, it sounds like it would make a really good film, too!
Comment by Yvonne
Made Saturday, 24 of September , 2011 at 10:29 pm
Hi Nikki,
I must have missed your post about ‘Second Hand Heart’, so I went back and read both the reviews together.
Both books are definitely very highly charged and emotional reading and from the first couple of lines (and not reading your tags), I wasn’t sure whether you had been reading a novel or a memoire.
On checking out Catherine’s site, I was amazed at the amount of books she has written and all dealing with the important and controversial aspects of our modern society and all with this finely balanced style of writing, which makes fact and fiction virtually indistinguishable.
I can’t understand why I have never come across this author before, but she is definitley on my reading list now, so thanks for bringing her work to my attention.
Enjoy your Sunday, we are off to visit my in-laws for the day!
Comment by The Book Whisperer
Made Saturday, 24 of September , 2011 at 11:03 pm
I also received this book but haven’t read it yet but your review has made me think I should get to it sooner 
Comment by Harvee
Made Saturday, 24 of September , 2011 at 11:09 pm
It’s nice to get away from the mystery novels every now and then for another kind of book. This sounds heartwarming!
Comment by Petty Witter
Made Monday, 26 of September , 2011 at 2:41 pm
Sounds inspirational, thanks for a informative post.
Comment by Friko
Made Monday, 26 of September , 2011 at 8:48 pm
this book certainly appears to be a book I’d much sooner read than a bloodthirsty thriller.
I like book where I like the characters.
Comment by Sarah Laurence
Made Tuesday, 27 of September , 2011 at 3:30 pm
Sound like a fresh premise for a novel. Nicely reviewed too.
Comment by Jenners
Made Tuesday, 27 of September , 2011 at 7:12 pm
This does sound appealing. I love quirky characters, but it sounds like it has a serious side to it as well. Great review.
Comment by Shelleyrae
Made Saturday, 1 of October , 2011 at 5:25 am
Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the review!
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
