Review
Allison Cundiff delivers a heartfelt and poignant story with Hey Pickpocket. Through Frances’s first-person POV, she’s talking to the person who stole her phone, passport, and other belongings. She relays her journey of traveling to Ireland after a life-changing incident in her family. She also brought her father’s 20-year-old ashes. But she has no way to contact anyone or travel anywhere else. But one postcard in an annotated book launches her journey of self-forgiveness from the pain she caused and healing from the loss of her father after all this time.
She meets locals, finds a job, and establishes roots on a remote island. All the characters were likeable and helped her reach a strong sense of self after years of guilt and PTSD. While the romance is a large part of her journey, it’s not the thing that fixes her. Rather, falling for someone who also has a troubled past helps her forgive herself and gives her the strength the get the closure she deserves.
While short, the story is paced well. The dialogue is short and easy to follow. Sometimes the author’s transition to flashbacks are confusing, but not enough to ruin the book. For a lack of better words, this story is a comfort read that will stick with me for a while.
Hey Pickpocket is available now.
Book
Frances is on a journey to leave her past behind and find a new beginning in the picturesque landscapes of Ireland. As she immerses herself in the vibrant local culture, she meets a cast of unforgettable characters who challenge her perceptions and help her uncover the true meaning of home. With its beautifully crafted prose and deeply resonant themes, Hey Pickpocket is a story of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit.
Join Frances as she navigates the complexities of identity and belonging, and let yourself be swept away by the charm and wit of Allison Cundiff’s storytelling. Perfect for fans of literary fiction and those who appreciate a heartfelt, introspective read, Hey Pickpocket is a novel that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Join Frances and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Allison Cundiff’s talents as a poet, teacher, mother, beekeeper, traveler, and her Buddhist leanings, combined with her understanding of trauma, make this novel as good-humored as it is deep and real. The book is an enchanting mix of Irish local color, romance, and dry wit, making it a deeply felt exploration of the eternal riddle of home and the enduring allure of hope.
