Verity Croker, Alba – Hidden Secrets, GenZ Publishing, November 2024, 224 pp., RRP $24.99 (pbk), ISBN 9798339568339
Grief and mystery come together in ALBA – Hidden Secrets, a poignant exploration of love’s fragility and the strength of shared vulnerability. Sixteen-year-old Rebecca grapples with the agonising aftermath of losing her boyfriend, Alastair, but can’t tell her best friend, Calum, Alastair’s brother, who was unaware of their relationship. When Rebecca and Calum unearth a weathered suitcase in an abandoned seaside icehouse, they discover an enigmatic 19th-century diary inside, penned in a cryptic code. As Rebecca painstakingly deciphers the diary, she discovers a startling parallel between her own life and that of Martha, the diary’s sixteen-year-old, whose experiences resonate with a haunting familiarity.
Set in the picturesque village of Cromarty in far north Scotland, where the author lived for a year, Alba – Hidden Secrets seamlessly weaves themes of family loyalty, the weight of inherited trauma, and the courage it takes to confront the truth. The mystery element and dual timeline add intrigue and depth to the narrative, suited to readers 13+.
Whether you hide your secrets from the world or open your heart to let others in, Alba – Hidden Secrets is an enchanting tale about the power of connection and family bonds. Information on where to purchase the book is available at the author’s website.
Reviewed by Maura Pierlot
