From the cover of this book and its hook lines, it looks very much like a Jodi Picoult novel. I anticipated an emotive story, perhaps a little sugary,  but this was not the case. Although not a million miles apart from Picoult, Hyde definitely has her own style. The book although aimed at women contains very colourful and intriguing characters; half of these being men. It’s no-nonsense approach I think actually makes for a broader reading audience.

It recounts the life events of Grace a 10-year-old girl, whose mother is an addict and often unrousable. With the risk of the ‘county woman’ visiting and taking her into care, the sharp thinking, forthright Grace knows she needs to do something to prevent this and sets about making her plight known to some other tenants in her apartment block.

Not in the nicest part of LA, this isn’t the type of place where neighbours talk to each other; in fact people keep their own counsel. However a girl sat outside the apartment all day, generates concern. From these encounters with other tenants, they warm to Grace and look to find a way to, on a temporary basis, ensure she manages to keep going to school. To this end she acts as a conduit for getting the neighbours speaking and learning about their individual problems and needs.

As the neighbours each take on their part in facilitating this – requiring team work and absolute reliability, they find their lives have become enriched. They all become attached to Grace, and have to develop some tolerance towards each other. Billy an ex-dancer, now agoraphobic, in particular needs to cope from being entirely isolated to having to interact and have people in his home. Their faults and hidden strengths are considered amongst each other and grievances start to be put to one side.

As the story continues, their hidden issues start to surface and a number of events unfold. But what is realised is that whilst Grace is looked after, her mother is not forced to change her habits or enabled to take control and conquer her addiction. So maybe Grace needs her mum to think that she won’t get her back…

The book is written in quite a bold and boisterous style, emulative of Grace’s character. Whilst it has its warming side because there are generous and good-hearted people within the book – such characteristics have for most of the characters lives been deeply suppressed, so the issues are ruminative and written in a gritty style reflective of the circumstances, but with an engaging wry sense of wit. The less attractive qualities of an addict’s personality and their take on society, whilst not covered in much depth are not glossed over, nor unrealistic. At its heart is a lot about coping strategies and some reasoning that whilst our lives may elicit differing circumstances, we each have our own valuable qualities and that actually if we take the time to find out how other people tick, we’ll find we’re not so different after all.

This is an engaging easy read, which keeps its pace and interest through to the denouement of the story. Sometimes Grace is just a little too old and wise for her age, but nonetheless the characters are a joy.

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