Don't Let Me Go - Catherine Ryan Hyde

Ten-year-old Grace knows that her mum loves her, but her mum loves drugs too. And there's only so long Grace can fend off the 'woman from the county' who is threatening to put her into care. Her only hope is...'Billy': Grown-man Billy Shine hasn't been out of his apartment for years. People scare him, and the outside world scares him even more. Day in, day out, he lives a perfectly orchestrated silent life within his four walls. Until now...'The Plan': Grace bursts into Billy's life with a loud voice and a brave plan to get her mum clean. And it won't be easy, because they will have to confiscate the one thing her mum holds most dear ...they will have to kidnap Grace.


Catherine Ryan Hyde is a fantastic author, the minute you start reading this novel you know its going to be a great read and well written.  I have read previous works of hers and thought they were outstanding and this is no exception.

The phrase - It takes a Village to raise a child springs to mind whilst reading this book, but with a very modern agenda. It is clear Grace's mum is struggling to look after her and she stumbles into the care of a melting pot of neighbours.  Its a story of them saving her and in turn her saving them from themselves. A modern idea that a block of flats never talk to each other, and also that you get all sorts of people living together from all walks of life.  Hyde introduces a eclectic mix of characters who all in their own way need saving.  Its such a great idea for a story, poignant and sad but at the same time rather heart warming.

Hyde has a great way of making each character in this novel both have their own story that you come to understand but also they have their own unique personality and this is reflected on their culture and their background.  The story is well told and with enough twists and turns to keep you wanting more. A real page turner and a must read.