Book Blurb:
The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris: As a little girl raised amid the hardships of Michigan’s Copper Country, Fenna Vos learned to focus on her own survival. That ability sustains her even now as the Second World War rages in faraway countries. Though she performs onstage as the assistant to an unruly escape artist, behind the curtain she’s the mastermind of their act. Ultimately, controlling her surroundings and eluding traps of every kind helps her keep a lingering trauma at bay.
Yet for all her planning, Fenna doesn’t foresee being called upon by British military intelligence. Tasked with designing escape aids to thwart the Germans, MI9 seeks those with specialized skills for a war nearing its breaking point. Fenna reluctantly joins the unconventional team as an inventor. But when a test of her loyalty draws her deep into the fray, she discovers no mission is more treacherous than escaping one’s past.
My Review: 4.5 stars
The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris was a totally absorbing and compelling story that focused on a combination of magic, innovation, gadgets and escape artistry.
Although the book begins when Fenna and Arie are quite young, most of the book took place during the throes of WWII. This story surprised me with its take on the war, as it’s far different than anything I’d read before.
Fen, a magician by trade, created inventions that eventually lead her to job with MI9, the British Military Intelligence. I found this fascinating and loved the gadgetry (think James Bond) that Fen came up with. Fen was a character to root for!
The relationship between Fen and Arie was a huge part of the book. Their relationship, which started so young, allowed the reader to watch their growth as individuals and together. They definitely had their starts and stops, but most important was their depth of trust and friendship.
This book read quite quickly and kept me entertained. There were a few moments that seemed a bit too coincidental, but it obviously didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. I’ve read every book that McMorris has written and liked them all. This is her most ambitious novel to date and I think she nailed it.
Readers and book clubs alike will love her writing style, the pacing and characters.
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