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The Hiding Place
Like a million other young gay men, Bryan keeps his sexuality hidden because it’s safer that way. Yet other guys know he’s different -- they sense it, and make Bryan’s life pure hell. At home, things aren’t much better. He barely acknowledges his alcoholic father, and his mother has little time to spend with her family. So Bryan is alone, with no support, no shoulder to cry on.
Years of torture and torment, of name calling and humiliation, have taken their toll. Bryan does what he can to make new friends, but in trying to be something he’s not, he makes a huge mistake. Unable to cope with the repercussions, Bryan spends more and more time in a fantasy world he has created for himself. In this private world he is handsome, an object of desire. He is loved.
Is the hiding place as perfect as it seems? Or will Bryan go too deep and not be able to come out again?
Years of torture and torment, of name calling and humiliation, have taken their toll. Bryan does what he can to make new friends, but in trying to be something he’s not, he makes a huge mistake. Unable to cope with the repercussions, Bryan spends more and more time in a fantasy world he has created for himself. In this private world he is handsome, an object of desire. He is loved.
Is the hiding place as perfect as it seems? Or will Bryan go too deep and not be able to come out again?
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 25, 2013
YA as far as I can gather covers 12-18 year olds with similarly aged protagonists, no sex and exploring some of life's issues. If so, this book wouldn't be suitable for them which is a pity as it is a fabulous, well written, very moving book that many young adults would unfortunately relate to.
But it's not a romance. It's pure gay fiction, the sort of book I wish more m/m romance writers would read every now and then to gain a real understanding of what growing up gay is all about.
The theme of bullying is so excellently depicted your heart just bleeds for the protagonist and the author himself as Wayne Mansfield admits that many of the scenes depicted happened to him.
I think what really resonated for me were the side characters. Those that could have/should have/would have helped.
In the Author's note, he writes:
The style of writing is good, with most done in third person, however at times the protagonist slips into fantasizing and those sections are written first person, present tense. This works brilliantly and adds just the right feel to the book as you're swept away in dreams of what the world should be like.
I've never read any of Wayne's books before as I don't tend to go for dark erotica, however if and when I do read them, I'm sure I will have a much better appreciation on where those ideas come from after reading what he felt growing up.
Unfortunately, you won't go away after reading "The Hiding Place" feeling that life is now a bed of roses. As Wayne also says in his Author's note:
Definitely worth reading.
But it's not a romance. It's pure gay fiction, the sort of book I wish more m/m romance writers would read every now and then to gain a real understanding of what growing up gay is all about.
The theme of bullying is so excellently depicted your heart just bleeds for the protagonist and the author himself as Wayne Mansfield admits that many of the scenes depicted happened to him.
I think what really resonated for me were the side characters. Those that could have/should have/would have helped.
In the Author's note, he writes:
"If you know or suspect that someone is being bullied, please take the time to talk to them. They may not bring it up themselves, or want to talk about it, but knowing someone is there, to support and talk to, is often empowering."I for one am prepared to promote the book as much as I can as I believe that is a great way to show support.
The style of writing is good, with most done in third person, however at times the protagonist slips into fantasizing and those sections are written first person, present tense. This works brilliantly and adds just the right feel to the book as you're swept away in dreams of what the world should be like.
I've never read any of Wayne's books before as I don't tend to go for dark erotica, however if and when I do read them, I'm sure I will have a much better appreciation on where those ideas come from after reading what he felt growing up.
Unfortunately, you won't go away after reading "The Hiding Place" feeling that life is now a bed of roses. As Wayne also says in his Author's note:
And it is a struggle. I can also tell you, first-hand, that these scars last well into adulthood. These scars can take the form of depression and other mental disorders, inability to form lasting relationships, trust issues, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, anxiety or anger issues, and sometimes suicide.Sometimes I wonder if by enduring suffering and hardship and surviving, we can learn lessons and gain the strength to help others. I hope that is the case in this respect and Wayne has found the strength to survive. If this is a good example of his writing, that alone shows he has something very valuable to add to the world.
Definitely worth reading.
October 3, 2013
A Hearts On Fire Review
THREE & A HALF STARS--Wayne Mansfield's "The Hiding Place" deals with tough subject matters, bullying, attempted suicide, mental health issues and fantasized/implied dub-con. So if any of those subjects are triggers, I'd advise you skip this one because it's a sad, depressing short story. Romance this is not, you've been warned.
I enjoyed this book and, at points, I didn't. This story is one that shines a light on bullying and its effects it can lead on lives. We meet Bryan, 18 year old high school senior. He's tormented during school days to no help, teachers add to the problems and his family life is closer to non existent. He's depressed and trying to keep together for a few more months before being able to move to the city and away from his tormentors.
His only solace? His fantasy world where he's loved, touched and treated like a human being. Bryan relies on his imagination to create companionship and love. However once he moves away from home, life does not get better.
Wayne Mansfield writes pretty solid stories including this one. And I appreciate the message brought on the anti-gay bullying through this raw story telling but the story had a few issues for me.
Concerns: No safe sex practices, sometimes the pacing was weird, the transition into Bryan's fantasy, at times, was a rough one. Was he raped? Was it in his mind? Whatever that was, it was pathetic and sad. You can't help but feel for Bryan's disturbed mind.
"The Hiding Place" is a metaphor for the world Bryan fantasizes. It's a lonely world and the ending is especially disturbing and haunting before the 'conclusion'. (Don't expect a happy one but a realistic one) For less than 60 pages, the story leaves an emotional punch.
THREE & A HALF STARS--Wayne Mansfield's "The Hiding Place" deals with tough subject matters, bullying, attempted suicide, mental health issues and fantasized/implied dub-con. So if any of those subjects are triggers, I'd advise you skip this one because it's a sad, depressing short story. Romance this is not, you've been warned.
I enjoyed this book and, at points, I didn't. This story is one that shines a light on bullying and its effects it can lead on lives. We meet Bryan, 18 year old high school senior. He's tormented during school days to no help, teachers add to the problems and his family life is closer to non existent. He's depressed and trying to keep together for a few more months before being able to move to the city and away from his tormentors.
His only solace? His fantasy world where he's loved, touched and treated like a human being. Bryan relies on his imagination to create companionship and love. However once he moves away from home, life does not get better.
Wayne Mansfield writes pretty solid stories including this one. And I appreciate the message brought on the anti-gay bullying through this raw story telling but the story had a few issues for me.
Concerns: No safe sex practices, sometimes the pacing was weird, the transition into Bryan's fantasy, at times, was a rough one. Was he raped? Was it in his mind? Whatever that was, it was pathetic and sad. You can't help but feel for Bryan's disturbed mind.
"The Hiding Place" is a metaphor for the world Bryan fantasizes. It's a lonely world and the ending is especially disturbing and haunting before the 'conclusion'. (Don't expect a happy one but a realistic one) For less than 60 pages, the story leaves an emotional punch.
April 29, 2013
Despite the cover and what you read in the official blurb this is not a YA LGBT book. Perhaps New Adult upwards is a better description. It is an ebook about the effects of bullying on an eighteen year old boy which takes up at towards the end of high school through to his time at uni. It is quite dark and does not have a cookie-cutter HEA ending. My full review contains quite a few **spoilers** and is at On Top Down Under Book Reviews - http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
February 12, 2018
Partially autobiographical, Wayne Mansfield’s The Hiding Place is a heartfelt story about a teen-aged boy dealing with some truly horrific events. Living with both abuse and neglect are taking their toll, and hoping for good things in his future is the only thing keeping this young man going.
The story opens with Bryan as a high school senior being bullied and tormented by fellow students and even one of his teachers. While he gets a small show of support from a few peers, most are afraid to go against the “popular” boys and defend him. Bryan has learned to make himself as invisible as possible in hopes of avoiding all attention.
Home isn’t much of a refuge for Bryan either, living with his alcoholic, abusive dad and his distant, neglectful mom. By the time Bryan realizes maybe his folks do care, he feels it’s too late to do any good. In Bryan’s case, the lack of concern and involvement from the adults in his life proves to be especially harmful.
Bryan finds ways to escape and create some peace for himself, but even those times are fraught with fear of being discovered and persecuted. This young man can’t find any way to be truly comfortable in his skin, and even his fantasy lovers abuse him.
The repeated abuse that Bryan suffers leaves him feeling unlovable and depressed, with no self-esteem. However, Bryan’s continually renewed optimistic outlook made me hopeful for his future. He always seems to be looking for something better to happen to him, whether it is devoted friends and affectionate lovers, success in school, or even just someone looking out for him, Bryan doesn’t give up.
What struck me most about Wayne Mansfield’s writing is the poetry and lyricism of some of the passages. Alternating between hopelessness, anger, and despair, the slivers of optimism that shine through and the haunting beauty of Bryan’s continual cry “to be loved” touched me deeply. I enjoy the way the chapters alternate between the first and third person point-of-view, it adds to the intimacy of this story and makes it feel more personal.
In The Hiding Place Wayne Mansfield delivers a powerful message about the damage bullying does to teens. As he references in his author’s note, in addition to the issue of teen suicide, victims of bullies suffer from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and many other lifelong issues. I personally hope that acceptance and tolerance for everyone, regardless of their preferences, continues to grow in our society and stories like Bryan’s will be just a distant memory.
The story opens with Bryan as a high school senior being bullied and tormented by fellow students and even one of his teachers. While he gets a small show of support from a few peers, most are afraid to go against the “popular” boys and defend him. Bryan has learned to make himself as invisible as possible in hopes of avoiding all attention.
Home isn’t much of a refuge for Bryan either, living with his alcoholic, abusive dad and his distant, neglectful mom. By the time Bryan realizes maybe his folks do care, he feels it’s too late to do any good. In Bryan’s case, the lack of concern and involvement from the adults in his life proves to be especially harmful.
Bryan finds ways to escape and create some peace for himself, but even those times are fraught with fear of being discovered and persecuted. This young man can’t find any way to be truly comfortable in his skin, and even his fantasy lovers abuse him.
The repeated abuse that Bryan suffers leaves him feeling unlovable and depressed, with no self-esteem. However, Bryan’s continually renewed optimistic outlook made me hopeful for his future. He always seems to be looking for something better to happen to him, whether it is devoted friends and affectionate lovers, success in school, or even just someone looking out for him, Bryan doesn’t give up.
What struck me most about Wayne Mansfield’s writing is the poetry and lyricism of some of the passages. Alternating between hopelessness, anger, and despair, the slivers of optimism that shine through and the haunting beauty of Bryan’s continual cry “to be loved” touched me deeply. I enjoy the way the chapters alternate between the first and third person point-of-view, it adds to the intimacy of this story and makes it feel more personal.
In The Hiding Place Wayne Mansfield delivers a powerful message about the damage bullying does to teens. As he references in his author’s note, in addition to the issue of teen suicide, victims of bullies suffer from depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and many other lifelong issues. I personally hope that acceptance and tolerance for everyone, regardless of their preferences, continues to grow in our society and stories like Bryan’s will be just a distant memory.
May 2, 2013
In many ways, this book was too close for comfort but it was a great read. Anyone who questions what being bullied does to a person should be made to read this.
May 5, 2013
The Hiding Place by Wayne Mansfield is a touching story that is also chillingly haunting. It is a dark story, but that's because the topic is dark. The story is heart wrenching, and at times I was angry. A couple times I had to put the book down and look away, clear my head. It disturbed me so much.
I have to be honest. I'm still angry. I'm so fucking angry how unfair it is for people to endure such cruelty. And yes, I know this is just fiction. But you know what? Kids do go through this. And it does affect them well into adulthood. It follows them all their lives.
The aspect of this story that cut right to the bone with me was how Bryan identified as sub and related it to his abuse. It scares me and makes me wonder about a lot of things. I think maybe he needed a Master for two reasons. One was that he never had a protective parental influence in his life. It was what he'd always craved, someone to make him feel safe. And secondly, because he felt inferior, as if he was less. He craved being used because it gave his life meaning. Otherwise, he was worthless.
I just have one thing more to say. I hope people won't rate this book low because it disturbs them or because they don't understand. Sometimes those are the most memorable stories of all.
I have to be honest. I'm still angry. I'm so fucking angry how unfair it is for people to endure such cruelty. And yes, I know this is just fiction. But you know what? Kids do go through this. And it does affect them well into adulthood. It follows them all their lives.
The aspect of this story that cut right to the bone with me was how Bryan identified as sub and related it to his abuse. It scares me and makes me wonder about a lot of things. I think maybe he needed a Master for two reasons. One was that he never had a protective parental influence in his life. It was what he'd always craved, someone to make him feel safe. And secondly, because he felt inferior, as if he was less. He craved being used because it gave his life meaning. Otherwise, he was worthless.
I just have one thing more to say. I hope people won't rate this book low because it disturbs them or because they don't understand. Sometimes those are the most memorable stories of all.
May 21, 2019
A very interesting and difficult short read. Bryan like so many keeps secrets, or at least tries to. He knows he's gay but won't acknowledge it publicly, instead burying it internally in a fantasy world. Escape to college is his chance to break free and leave old humiliations behind. Unfortunately a brief encounter brings all the old fears and internalized homophobia back. He goes to extreme measures as he's losing hope and losing himself. This short novella deals with some very serious and disturbing themes in a sensitive and thoughtful manner. Many of us have been in these dark places and all too many have not survived.
July 25, 2013
3.5 stars. Beautifully written. I do wish it had continued a little longer, but I can understand why it ended where it did.
November 29, 2015
2013 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews