The Not-So Great Escape
The Not-So Great Escape is an excellent example of how there is always more behind titles. First assumptions had this reviewer imagining a funny adventure, a buddy comedy full of shenanigans, perfect for younger readers. This itself would have been highly enjoyable, but instead The Not-So Great Escape is a much more complex story.
There is plenty of adventure, and Hedley, the main protagonist, and his ‘frenemy’ Aiden, could absolutely be referred to as a dynamic duo – ideal for a buddy comedy. But beneath the unexpected journey that rule-follower Hedley finds himself tangled up in when Aiden steals an alpaca, the story explores how coping with grief can be a very difficult thing to do and how it can impact every single day of our lives.
Overall, this is a story that explores how friends can learn from their differences, how risks can be just as crucial as playing it safe, and how balance is key. But above all else, this story highlights how important it is that adults listen to young people, especially those who we want to support rather than assume we always know best because we’re older.
Upon completion, I would say this is a story for slightly older readers. It would be an excellent choice for those who want to start exploring heavier subjects; while there is still lots of fun to be had, there is an emotional twist at the end that more sensitive readers might find upsetting.
