Marthe Jocelyn’s What We Hide explores secrets, identity, and the masks we wear. Set in an English boarding school during the Vietnam War era, the novel weaves together the lives of teenagers grappling with personal truths and societal pressures. At its core, it’s about how much of ourselves we reveal to others—and what we keep hidden.
Many readers approach this book expecting a conventional coming-of-age story. It’s not. Instead, Jocelyn delivers a fragmented narrative with multiple perspectives. Each chapter belongs to a different character, creating a mosaic of voices. Some critics find this structure disjointed. I find it refreshing.
Life itself is fragmented. We see the world through our own lens, often incomplete. Jocelyn captures this perfectly. Her characters feel real because their stories aren’t neatly tied together. They’re messy, raw, and sometimes unresolved. That’s life, isn’t it?
A Cast of Complex Characters
The novel introduces us to a diverse set of teenagers. There’s Jenny, the American girl trying to fit into British boarding school life. Oona, the free spirit whose boldness hides deeper insecurities. Tim, the closeted boy burdened by societal expectations. And several others, each carrying their own baggage.
Some readers may struggle with the sheer number of characters. I see it as a strength. Each voice adds depth. Together, they create a tapestry of human experiences. Jocelyn doesn’t spoon-feed you their stories. You have to work for it. That’s where the magic lies.
Take Tim, for example. His struggles with identity in a conservative society resonate deeply. Jocelyn doesn’t paint him as a victim. Instead, she gives him agency. He’s flawed, like all of us, but he’s also courageous.
Secrets and Self-Discovery
At its heart, What We Hide is about secrets. The ones we share. The ones we bury. And the ones that define us. Jocelyn reminds us that secrets aren’t inherently bad. They can protect, empower, and even heal.
Jenny’s secret, for instance, involves her boyfriend’s draft-dodging during the Vietnam War. It’s a lie she tells to appear interesting, but it spirals out of control. This plotline highlights how secrets can start as small acts of self-preservation and grow into something much larger.
Jocelyn doesn’t judge her characters for their secrets. She explores them with empathy. That’s what makes the book stand out. Instead of telling us what’s right or wrong, she lets us decide.
The Role of Setting
The boarding school setting adds another layer to the story. It’s a microcosm of society, with its own rules, cliques, and hierarchies. For Jenny, it’s a place of isolation. For others, like Oona, it’s a stage for rebellion.
The 1970s backdrop is more than just a timeline. The Vietnam War looms large, influencing the characters’ choices. Yet, the book doesn’t focus on the war itself. It uses it as a lens to explore broader themes of identity and morality.
Some might argue that the setting feels dated. I disagree. The themes are universal. The struggles these teenagers face—fitting in, standing out, discovering who they are—transcend time. Boarding school may seem like a small world, but Jocelyn shows how it reflects the larger one.
Writing Style
Jocelyn’s writing is simple, almost sparse. She doesn’t waste words. Every sentence serves a purpose. This might frustrate readers who prefer lush, descriptive prose. For me, it’s a strength.
The simplicity allows the characters’ emotions to shine. You don’t get bogged down in details. Instead, you focus on the raw, human experiences. Jocelyn’s restraint is admirable. She trusts her readers to fill in the blanks.
One line that stood out to me was, “We all have a mask. Some fit better than others.” It’s a quiet observation but speaks volumes. That’s Jocelyn’s style—understated yet impactful.
My Take on “Flaws”
Some critics point out that the book’s fragmented structure makes it hard to connect with the characters. I see it differently. The gaps in the story mirror the gaps in our understanding of others. No one ever reveals their whole truth, even in real life.
Others argue that not all characters are likable. But should they be? Real people are messy. They make mistakes. Jocelyn’s characters reflect that. They’re not here to be role models. They’re here to be real.
The ending is another point of contention. It’s open-ended, leaving some storylines unresolved. I loved that. Life doesn’t always offer closure. Why should fiction? Jocelyn respects her readers enough to let them imagine what happens next.
Final Thoughts
What We Hide isn’t for everyone. It demands patience and an open mind. But if you’re willing to embrace its imperfections, it offers a rich, thought-provoking experience.
Marthe Jocelyn has created a book that mirrors life in all its complexity. It’s not about tying things up neatly. It’s about exploring the spaces in between—the secrets, the silences, the moments that shape us.
So, should you read it? Absolutely. Not because it’s perfect. But because it’s honest. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
