REVIEW: The Book of Hidden Wonders by Polly Crosby

The Book of Hidden Wonders is the intriguing debut novel of Polly Crosby, one that I enjoyed more and more with each chapter I read.

Forever immortalised as a child, Romilly and her beloved cat sidekick Monty are featured as the main characters in a series of illustrated stories written by her father, Tobias Kemp. Together, the two go on playful adventures, which for the most part take place in their very own charmingly ramshackled house and garden in the English countryside. Woven amongst the assortment of animals both friendly and ferocious, however, are clues to a much larger picture. Amongst the delicate and marvelous items painted in these scenes are words and images that lead to something hidden in the real world – a treasure that the books’ avid readers are determined to uncover.

Polly Crosby

The fame and wealth that comes with the release of a series of popular children’s books sees Romilly and her father able to afford the luxuries of exotic foods and champagne, the likes of which they had not seen before. However, as more and more determined readers venture onto their property in search of Kemp’s buried treasure, the price of this wealth becomes more apparent. As Tobias’ mind begins to deteriorate, he becomes suspicious of everyone around him, and Romilly begins to realise that this treasure hunt may be more telling about their family than of any gold or jewels the public are seeking.

After discovering a series of clues in her father’s artworks that have been left just for her, Romilly tries to piece them together. As these clues bring her closer to the answers, they also draw her closer to a connection with her father who had shut her away from the world and from the truth. Along with her ragged and wild friend Stacey, Romilly seeks the wonders in her own backyard, as well as within the pages of her books.

Despite being told through the eyes of a child, The Book of Hidden Wonders explores complex themes around growing up – the discovery of the harsh realities of the world and the secrets that every family holds. At the beginning of the novel, Romilly is content with the freedom that comes with her father’s relaxed take on parenting. However, she soon begins to see it as a limitation as the books begin to grow in popularity, and she goes from being encouraged to venture out in her garden to being locked up in her house. The dangers of being a local celebrity, as well as possibly knowing the answers to her father’s treasure hunt, become more prevalent as Romilly grows older and wiser to the ways of the world.

Whimsical and charismatic, like the picture books themselves, Crosby’s novel has its own hidden clues buried amongst its pages that can be both frightening and delightful. A coming of age narrative with child-like charm that lasts from beginning to end, The Book of Hidden Wonders is a story about growing up, understanding the truth of being an adult, and the little wonders that are littered throughout our lives.

–Review by Renae Adolfson

The Book of Hidden Wonders by Polly Crosby (Harlequin Australia) is out now.

The Book Of Hidden Wonders

by Polly Crosby

Romilly lives in a ramshackle house with her eccentric artist father and her cat, Monty. She knows little about her past – but she knows that she is loved.

When her father finds fame with a series of children's books starring her as the main character, everything changes: exotic foods appear on the table, her father appears on TV, and strangers appear at their door, convinced the books contain a treasure hunt leading to a glittering prize. But as time passes, Romilly's father becomes increasingly suspicious of everything around him, until, before her eyes, he begins…

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About the Contributor

Renae Adolfson