Home and Other Hiding Places

by Jack Ellis

When eight-year-old Fin and his mum Lindy travel to spend Christmas with his Gran in Sydney, Fin assumes they’ll return to their isolated country property – the only home he’s ever known. But he soon discovers that this large and crumbling riverside house, surrounded by bush and unwelcoming neighbours, is his home now. As Lindy’s fragile emotions fracture under the weight of Gran’s disapproval and the pressure of old memories, Fin holds onto a tenderness of spirit and the simple clarity he has learnt from his isolation on the farm – an insight that hasn’t yet been clouded by the secret codes of adulthood. But as the life he has known crumbles around him, Fin learns that no-one is coming to his rescue, and he sets off on a journey to find his way home.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2022

About the author

Jack is a writer and musician based in Sydney. His first novel, The Best Feeling of All, was published by Arcadia in 2014. He has also written for publications including ABC Online, Crikey, Women’s Health Magazine and Men’s Health Magazine. Jack studied classical composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Royal Conservatorium in the Hague. He later studied dispute resolution and law at the University of Technology, Sydney. For the past 10 years, he has worked as a Family Mediator. This work has given him an insight into the complexities of family relationships which has helped to shape his recent writing. His latest novel, Home and Other Hiding Places, is published by Ultimo Press.

Reviews

[Theresa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This turned out to be quite a novel. I’m never certain when going in if a child narrator will work for me – on many occasions they haven’t – but in this instance, it was amazing. Jack Ellis is such an incredible writer. This a novel that really reinforces the damage we can do to children by not telling them what is going on with the adults around them. The instinct to protect can be strong, but children notice when things are wrong, and they do worry, even if you tell them not to, and they will also jump to conclusions that can be so far off base, magnifying the trauma of what they are experiencing and potentially placing them in danger.

So much of this story has its impact in what is left unsaid, the implicit undercurrent of the past, the anger and resentment still lingering between adults, and the shame and stigma that persists when it comes to mental illness. Through Fin, we see the resilience of children, but we also see the fear and bravado, the desperate search for something familiar to hold onto. Tender and poignant, Home and Other Hiding Places is a deeply affecting story, told with literary skill and a vivid attention to even the smallest of details. This novel is a treasure, a quintessential Australian story that affirms Jack Ellis as one of our finest contemporary writers.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight-year-old Fin and his mum Lindy are on their way to visit and spend Christmas with Gran in Sydney. What Fin is unaware of, but soon comes to the realisation of is that returning to their isolated country property is becoming less likely.

Fin is a character who will captivate the heart of many readers including me. Aussie author Jack Ellis has written a beautiful, heartfelt story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended.

[Steve Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook read by Nic English, approximately 7 hrs 50 minutes.

Eight year old Fin and his mum travel to Sydney to spend Christmas with his Gran, assuming that they'll return to their isolated country property. As his mother's fragile emotions fracture under the weight of Gran's disapproval and old memories, Fin holds onto a tenderness of spirit that has helped him through isolation on his family's property.

But as the life he has known starts to crumble around him, he realises that no-one is coming to his rescue, and he starts off on a journey to find his way home.

This tale of growing up is sad, funny, witty in large amounts. Fin is forced to grow up quickly, too quickly.

The story is wonderful and the audio is incredible. Saw this at my library and knew it was going to be great!!!

[Jill Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor young Fin. His family is fractured and he is torn between his separated parents, cranky Gran and desperation for a friend. The story follows his struggle to find stability in his family life and searching for love.

[Miranda Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home and Other Hiding PlacesPlease tell me this will be shortlisted for all the awards this year!!
Only a few pages into this book and i literally couldn't put it down. I almost tore the pages out of desperation to know what was going to happen next.
The main character Fin deeply entered my heart and brought many tears to my eyes as his story unfolded.
The only disappointment was that it finished! I wanted to read more.

[Jamie Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite ever books. One of my favourite ever Aussie books too. This one hit all the feels.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The natural imagery is soooo beautiful in this novel. Wish I could write like this! The only romantic relationship in the novel was also told in a refreshing way: free of repressed feelings, internalised shame, blatant discrimination. Almost utopian really. Which I think was deliberate.

I loved the way that the plot took a sharp turn every 20-30 pages: my easily-bored brain needed this. I do think Gran (the most interesting character IMO) needed a backstory though, and Fin a few geography and ethics lessons (!).

Read this book! Best way to distract yourself from the chaos of the real world in 2022.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This book has a distinct Australian feel about it from the Australian setting and the way it is written. The author did a fantastic job in capturing the voice of eight year old Griffin “Finn”. From the innocence of childhood to discovering some of the scarier or harsher realities of life, you really felt you were on the journey with Finn.

I listened to this on audio.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really struggling to put into words everything this book has to offer… seeing events from Fin’s perspective, with the thoughts behind the actions, the interpretations he makes from the limited information presented to him was eye-opening.
A few dot points;
- it was an adventure, way bigger than his young years should have to deal with.
- Fin is a young Carer
- Fin is a beautiful soul I am glad to have met.

[Amelia Storck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home and Other Hiding Places is a deeply moving, character-driven story that explores the fragility of family, the resilience of childhood, and the search for belonging amidst upheaval. Jack Ellis delivers a narrative that is both tender and unflinching, told through the perceptive eyes of eight-year old Fin, whose gentle insight into the adult world around him gives the story its emotional weight and authenticity.

The novel excels in its portrayal of family dynamics and the subtle complexities of grief, memory, and emotional displacement. Fin’s move from his familiar rural home to his Gran’s imposing riverside house in Sydney exposes him to a world of fractured relationships and hidden tensions. Through his perspective, Ellis captures the delicate balance between innocence and the early understanding of life’s harsher truths. The challenges Fin faces unwelcoming neighbors, family disapproval, and the realization that no one is coming to his rescue are both heart wrenching and transformative, shaping a narrative about courage, self-discovery, and the meaning of home.

Ellis’ writing is intimate and reflective, with a keen sense of place and atmosphere that enhances the story’s emotional resonance. The novel’s pace allows readers to absorb both the tension and the quiet moments of tenderness, making it particularly well suited for book clubs and readers who appreciate thoughtful, literary fiction.

For those drawn to stories of childhood resilience, complex family relationships, and the journey toward understanding one’s place in the world, Home and Other Hiding Places offers a poignant, unforgettable reading experience.

[Corrine McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender and moving story about a young boy navigating - among other things - his mother’s mental illness, and the impact it has on his life.

I’ll admit that I didn’t instantly connect with this book and actually shelved it a few chapters in. But I am so glad that I picked it back up, because it then became an absolute page turner which I devoured in one day. Some stories peak too early, but this was quite the opposite, really focusing on establishing the characters before bringing in the magic.

I always consider it risky to pick up a novel with a child protagonist. But the risk paid off because, by the time I reached the last page, I felt a strong connection with Finn and was deeply invested in his future. I enjoyed sharing in his adventures with Rory, and learning about the unique dynamic of his family.

Would highly recommend this book, with the advice to sit with it through its (somewhat slow) beginning; it will take you on an emotional journey which is well worth your patience.

[Libby Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey Jack. Just finished reading 'Home and Other Hiding Places'. I have to say I loved this book. You wrote Fin with real insight and authenticity. There was the big picture - which was the story - very compelling, but also just the little gems along the way. Like, the foster child holding her sister's legs as she did a head stand and being told to "leave me - I can do it!". This is so true of most kids but, in my experience, particularly of indigenous children with their game, bold approach to life. Most kids would not have to deal with the challenges that Fin did - but many kids are capable if put in the situation. His view on life was both informed by fantasy but also reality. I would love to hear more about Fin and thankyou so much for the delightful book.

[Milo Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic story - written from the perspective of a young boy - this book really packs an emotional punch. Ellis seems to have a knack for seeing this from a kids perspective, because the way the boy, thinks and acts is oh so real. Following his life with his family - including his psychologically disturbed mother - this books explores mental health and the impacts of broken families on the kids. But young Fin's story is tender and filled with love, even sometimes that love is not quite sure how to express itself.

[Lea Hadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of an 8 year old boy caught up in the dynamics of his family. His Mum has a mental condition and prefers to live in a secluded area which has become home to Flyn. However, they visit his Grandmother in the outskirts of Sydney and here Flyn discovers the dysfunctional nature of his family and of the neighbours next door. He also spends time with his dysfunctional father. It is rather sad that a young boy has to try and read the adult codes and Flyn is very simplistic in his interpretation. Well written through the eyes of Flyn.

[Hugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read! As a primary school teacher for 30 years, I am impressed with how author Jack Ellis so effectively gets insude the head of his young hero, 8-year-old Fin. We understand and sympathise with how the boy sees the grown-up world of his dysfunctional family. And his friendship with Rory, his new best mate from next door, is delightfully portrayed. A fast-paced story for today, and a real page-turner. Recommended.

[Kelly Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fin and his mother (Lindy) travel to Sydney to visit her mother for Christmas. Lindy and her mother don’t really get on and her mental health is deteriorating. Fin decides to go on an adventure which causes a dramatic escalation in the tensions around him. So when a rescuer appears Fin takes off. But is this the rescue Fin was hoping for.

I liked this book a lot. Fin is a gentle boy who is out of step with the world around him and desperate for love and connection.

[Mary Witbooi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fin is an innocent and naive boy who until now has only ever lived in an isolated farmhouse in Old Bin with his mum, Lindy. But this year they are heading to Sydney to stay with his Gran for Christmas. The story is told by Fin, as he makes friends with the boy next door, and tries to make sense of his new world in which he is now living. With flawed reasoning, he struggles to comprehend the behaviour and secrets of the adults who are supposed to care for him.

[Karen Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. While fast paced and full of adventure, this book captures the timelessness of childhood with a distinctive Australian feel. An excellent read, and anyone who is unravelling their own early years or family trauma will benefit from seeing through protagonist Fin's eye's for a time. Highly recommended

[Maraya Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish. The characters are so beautifully written and real, and my heart breaks for Fin. It’s the type of book you will definitely read over and over. Five stars from me!

[David E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t enjoyed a novel like ‘Home and Other Hiding Places’ for a long time.

The visual imagery Jack creates in his characters and setting would lend itself to becoming a very nice Australian film.

Loved it!

[Dini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the movie A Perfect World with Kevin Costner, although it was far less violent and with a much less hectic plot. We get a solid view of what it’s like to see things from a child’s limited perspective with adults only alluding to the issues. Nice Australiana aspects.

[Alice O'Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book I've read in ages. Well-crafted, complex characters. It's a page-turner.

[Tish · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't understand the hype. It was different but not really a book that had me wanting to finish it in a day.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The young main character was very believable and the events portrayed fairly realistic. It had a very distinct Aussie feeling to it which I liked.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully Australian story about growing up.

[readkrautread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant Australian book.

[Amanda Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely story from a young boy's point of view, living with the instability of his care givers mental illness.

[Jane Mccrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Ellis's second novel 'Home and Other Hiding Places' is a beautifully woven story of love, loss and hope. The strongly drawn characters take you into relationships that are tender, heartbreaking and above all real. I have purchased this book as gifts for my closest friends. A must read Australian novel from a very talented author.
I highly recommend this book to people of all ages.

[Delma White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great writer encouraging me to keep reading to discover what happens to Fin and the surrounding characters.
I love books written in the present - no flashbacks or boring history of place or time.
I so want more stories from this author.