Hidden Pictures
By Johanna Flynn
Desperation and
regret are a volatile basis for a friendship, or a relationship. Yet
these powerful emotions draw together two unlikely souls who are each
at very different, pivotal forks in the road of their lives. Gordon's
ancestors illustrate a glowing history of celebrated life tales as
one of the founding families of the town. Gordon owned a hardware
store for many years, but when he lost it due to hard times he took a
job with the conglomerate that took it over. He lives in the
Victorian family home and is a bit of a recluse since his wife died
years ago. Ahead of himself he views only a creeping journey toward
imminent retirement. Literally running into Gordon's life and home is
Olivia, a struggling high school student and nearby neighbor. The
troubles in her life are overwhelming and force her into relentless
situations where good choices are hard to find. She's isolated,
lonely, and misunderstood.
Have you viewed the
Hidden Pictures of your life? These are not the happy
selfies, or beloved portraits, or happy times, or special places.
These are the truths that are hidden away because they are so hard to
face. Some are literally photos, and some are shots within a person's
soul. This book is a view of a small community of people struggling
with what they hide from others, and from themselves. Can facing
these hard truths ultimately bring some happiness? And how can
compassion soften that blow? As this awkward friendship has its
starts and stops between Gordon and Olivia, it's revealed how very
critical this time in their lives is for each of them.
Around them
neighbors and coworkers are playing out the drama in their own lives,
and keeping hidden what they want to be private. There are people in
this community who have literally kept hidden real photographs that
tell a hideous, true, criminal story. These gruesome photos are the
evidence that can stop the malicious assaults that are occurring in
their town. But who are the people who are hiding this evidence? It's
not just the attacker. What are their motives? And will the photos
and the truth be found before any other innocents are brutally hurt?
Hidden Pictures
is an examination of how the generations can help each other.
They can learn from each other. The author, Johanna Flynn, has
crafted fascinating characters and their situations are all too
realistic, and very human. We are what we have allowed ourselves to
become. If we face what is hidden, could we be more? Maybe, with a
little help from friends.
Author
Johanna Flynn has spent many years working with adolescents and
seniors in schools, clinics and community settings. She lives in
Olympia, with her husband and dog.
