The Worlds We Leave Behind
Hector, or Hex as he is known, didn’t mean to cause an accident, but instead of taking responsibility, he runs, burning with a fierce sense of injustice at the situation. He finds himself in a fairy-tale clearing in the woods- a clearing which he knows can’t actually be there- where an old lady in a cottage offers him a deal. She will ‘clip’ those who have wronged him from the world, allowing Hex to continue his life as if nothing happened. All he has to do is crush the acorn she has given him…
But Hex is not the only one the old woman has offered this deal and when Hex’s best friend, Tommo, wakes the following morning, he is in a different world, with only hazy, blurred memories of the world before. Can things be changed back to the way they were?
‘The Worlds We Leave Behind’ is an exceptional, beautifully written book, full of evocative descriptions and stunning illustrations. It is one of those books which is so hard to review without ruining it for anyone who hasn’t read it- so be warned!
Hex tends to act without thinking about the consequences of his actions. Impulsive and with a tendency to act the clown in class, his actions have landed him in the head’s office on more than one occasion. But he’s not the only one who is not considering the consequences of their actions- and the fact that we have to live and deal with the choices we make.
The story also considers the idea of revenge. Hex is offered the change to get his own back- to settle a score- but at what cost? When Missus ( the old lady) offers to erase Hex’s enemy from existence so the ‘world will heal, reshape itself around’ the place where that person would have been, she tells him that only he would ever know they had existed at all. It is perfect for instigating discussions - or ponderings- on just how far people might go to feel avenged and once again, reflect on the consequences of this.
Deliciously spooky and atmospheric, ‘The Worlds We Leave Behind’ is full of the most amazing illustrations by Levi Pinfold, some of which are quite sinister. The story has a very magical quality with its enchantments and alternate versions of reality, dense woods and fairy tale cottages, making it completely captivating. I loved it!
The Worlds We Leave Behind
A F Harrold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526623881