What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Collector
Debut novelist Abigail Johnson’s The Secret Collector is an uplifting and warm story about friendship across generations, the power of community and finding hope where it had been lost. Perfect for fans of Sally Page’s The Keeper of Stories and Ruth Hogan’s The Keeper of Lost Things.
When an elderly eccentric collector and a troubled teen become each other's only hope of getting their lives back on track, what can possibly go wrong?
Alfred is an elderly widower who uses antiques and collectables to fill the hole in his heart left by his late wife. Kian is a lost teen who has been let down by the care system and finds it difficult staying on the straight and narrow.
After Kian throws a brick through Alfred's window, the shock sends Alfred to hospital and a social worker to his home, where his hoarding becomes impossible to ignore.
Begrudgingly, and at the request of the authorities, they both agree to enrol Kian on a restorative justice programme, helping to make Alfred’s home liveable again. The only Alfred doesn't want to throw any of his treasures away, and he certainly doesn’t want Kian for company.
What unfolds is a surprising and delightful journey of two characters who help each other more than they ever could have anticipated and, along the way, form the unlikeliest of friendships.
When an elderly eccentric collector and a troubled teen become each other's only hope of getting their lives back on track, what can possibly go wrong?
Alfred is an elderly widower who uses antiques and collectables to fill the hole in his heart left by his late wife. Kian is a lost teen who has been let down by the care system and finds it difficult staying on the straight and narrow.
After Kian throws a brick through Alfred's window, the shock sends Alfred to hospital and a social worker to his home, where his hoarding becomes impossible to ignore.
Begrudgingly, and at the request of the authorities, they both agree to enrol Kian on a restorative justice programme, helping to make Alfred’s home liveable again. The only Alfred doesn't want to throw any of his treasures away, and he certainly doesn’t want Kian for company.
What unfolds is a surprising and delightful journey of two characters who help each other more than they ever could have anticipated and, along the way, form the unlikeliest of friendships.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
1565 people are currently reading
894 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
December 1, 2024
Where do I begin? I loved it doesn't quite cover my feeling on this story. I cared about the main characters straight away - their growing friendship touched me and I connected so much with a man in a generation older than me - I usually read books with female leads and so this was a new direction for me and wow did it blow me away.
I loved the concept of his collections and I felt protective of thenm on his behalf - this is a man who has been so deeply impacted by what he has lost, whether through wrongly places self blame, or just through the weight of the loss. I wanted to h0ld on to his collections tightly for him - I found the invasive nature of the social worker to be very real - there was no attempt to really get to know him or connect with her, he felt backed into a corner and afraid. Then we have the other main character who is so much younger and has had such a difficult start in life - both share the experience of a hard start in life and lack of family, but what they don't realise is that they will be family to each other.
It ends so well also - a really nice way of staying true to the characters and who they are as people. I may have seen the loft incident coming, but I did not predict the ending and I felt it wrapped up really nicely. I really wanted to stay within the pages of this book for longer, I miss them both now I have cone to the end and wish I were settling down with them again tonight!
A rare 5 stars from me!
Thank you to Net Galley for my copy of this book.
I loved the concept of his collections and I felt protective of thenm on his behalf - this is a man who has been so deeply impacted by what he has lost, whether through wrongly places self blame, or just through the weight of the loss. I wanted to h0ld on to his collections tightly for him - I found the invasive nature of the social worker to be very real - there was no attempt to really get to know him or connect with her, he felt backed into a corner and afraid. Then we have the other main character who is so much younger and has had such a difficult start in life - both share the experience of a hard start in life and lack of family, but what they don't realise is that they will be family to each other.
It ends so well also - a really nice way of staying true to the characters and who they are as people. I may have seen the loft incident coming, but I did not predict the ending and I felt it wrapped up really nicely. I really wanted to stay within the pages of this book for longer, I miss them both now I have cone to the end and wish I were settling down with them again tonight!
A rare 5 stars from me!
Thank you to Net Galley for my copy of this book.
June 1, 2025
A lovely heartwarming book that was a pleasure to read. Ok, the ending was a bit predictable/far fetched but I didn't care, I wanted a happy ending for them both.
It was a very accomplished first novel.
It was a very accomplished first novel.
March 15, 2025
What a delightful book! From people living in grim circumstances at either end of the age spectrum comes a truly beautiful story of hope and redemption. I loved the way the characters were drawn and really felt I was there with Kian and Alfred and could feel their despair in their situations. There were unpredictable twists and turns and a satisfying ending. I absolutely recommend this book and it is so accomplished it's hard to remember that this was written by a debut author.
July 11, 2025
One of my favourite reads of the year so far-and then some! Feeling down? This tale of the unlikely friendship which slowly blossoms between the two main protagonists will banish your blues. Alfred, a grieving widower who has filled his house with his ‘collections’ as he struggles to cope with the loss of his beloved Ida; and teenager Kian, a product of the care system which has left him, like so many of his generation, completely devoid of self-esteem as he turns to drink and vandalism in a vain attempt to give his life some meaning. Their paths cross and what follows is a heartwarming and uplifting story of respect, friendship and indeed love across the generations. The path is not smooth by any means but the outcome of their mutual journey left me feeling as good as anything I’ve read this year. Highly recommended!
March 17, 2025
What a lovely story. Loved the people, and it was really nicely written, especially for a first novel.
December 31, 2024
Abigail Johnson’s »The Secret Collector« takes readers on a heartwarming journey through unlikely friendships and personal growth against the backdrop of a house filled with memories and treasures.
The story centers around Alfred, an elderly widower who finds solace in nostalgia and hoarding, and Kian, a troubled teenager grappling with the failures of the care system. Their paths collide when Kian throws a brick through Alfred's window, leading to Alfred's hospitalization and Kian's enrollment in a restorative justice program.
As the plot unfolds, Alfred and Kian are forced into each other's lives, initially with resistance and resentment. Alfred, clinging to his antiques as a way to cope with grief, faces the harsh reality of his hoarding when social services intervene. Kian, on the other hand, struggles to navigate his turbulent emotions and past traumas. The novel's ambiance is rich with tension and warmth, capturing the chaotic yet touching atmosphere of Alfred's home—a physical manifestation of his emotional state.
As the story progresses, we witness the transformation of Alfred and Kian's relationship, from resentment to understanding and empathy. This evolution is beautifully depicted, evoking a range of emotions from frustration to joy. Johnson's writing style is accessible and sophisticated, blending humor with profound moments of introspection that deeply resonate with readers.
Johnson skillfully tackles heavy themes such as loss, loneliness, and redemption without resorting to melodrama. While the premise may seem straightforward, the depth of character development and emotional resonance elevate the novel beyond typical narratives about friendship. The dialogue feels authentic, capturing the generational gap while highlighting universal themes of hope and connection.
»The Secret Collector« is more than just a story about an old man and a troubled youth; it’s a thoughtful commentary on finding hope in unexpected places.
Johnson’s ability to infuse humor into poignant moments makes this novel not only enjoyable but also deeply moving. It serves as a powerful reminder that an open heart and an unexpected friendship can change our lives in unimaginable ways.
The story centers around Alfred, an elderly widower who finds solace in nostalgia and hoarding, and Kian, a troubled teenager grappling with the failures of the care system. Their paths collide when Kian throws a brick through Alfred's window, leading to Alfred's hospitalization and Kian's enrollment in a restorative justice program.
As the plot unfolds, Alfred and Kian are forced into each other's lives, initially with resistance and resentment. Alfred, clinging to his antiques as a way to cope with grief, faces the harsh reality of his hoarding when social services intervene. Kian, on the other hand, struggles to navigate his turbulent emotions and past traumas. The novel's ambiance is rich with tension and warmth, capturing the chaotic yet touching atmosphere of Alfred's home—a physical manifestation of his emotional state.
As the story progresses, we witness the transformation of Alfred and Kian's relationship, from resentment to understanding and empathy. This evolution is beautifully depicted, evoking a range of emotions from frustration to joy. Johnson's writing style is accessible and sophisticated, blending humor with profound moments of introspection that deeply resonate with readers.
Johnson skillfully tackles heavy themes such as loss, loneliness, and redemption without resorting to melodrama. While the premise may seem straightforward, the depth of character development and emotional resonance elevate the novel beyond typical narratives about friendship. The dialogue feels authentic, capturing the generational gap while highlighting universal themes of hope and connection.
»The Secret Collector« is more than just a story about an old man and a troubled youth; it’s a thoughtful commentary on finding hope in unexpected places.
Johnson’s ability to infuse humor into poignant moments makes this novel not only enjoyable but also deeply moving. It serves as a powerful reminder that an open heart and an unexpected friendship can change our lives in unimaginable ways.
April 7, 2025
What a truly wonderful find this was.
A story that doesn’t just sugar coat everything to be okay, but shows the hard work, determination and ups and downs of navigating life.
Alfred, elderly and alone, just wants to be left to collect his keepsakes. Kian, a troubled teen, struggles to make ends meet and move forward with his life. When their two lives cross, for all the wrong reasons, they are unknowingly bound together. What follows is a tale of hitting rock bottom and trying to find your way out. It tells of finding friendship in the most unlikely of places, of allowing yourself to be vulnerable and let others in.
I loved how this story told of the problems these characters encountered, but didn’t just solve them and write them away within a few pages. It showed that sometimes, even though determined, even though motivated by important things, it can still be incredibly hard to pick yourself up and change your ways.
The writing is very descriptive and the characters develop so well. By the end of this book you really will have become friends with the characters, be routing for them and be totally invested in their futures.
I really didn’t want to put this one down, I tried, but then found myself picking it back up until the early hours of the morning to find out what happened.
Overall a fantastic read, I’ll be looking out for more from this author in the future.
August 6, 2025
This book... wow, it took me a long time to get into reading again. This cover and description intrigued me immediately, so I had to choose it as the free book of the month. When I started reading this book, I absolutely loved every minute of it.
It was so beautiful to read how the life of an elderly person, with the right support, and the life of a troubled teen, with the right support, could both change each others life for the best. They became friends and reading through the chapters and their journey, it was such a beautiful story.
It was so beautiful to read how the life of an elderly person, with the right support, and the life of a troubled teen, with the right support, could both change each others life for the best. They became friends and reading through the chapters and their journey, it was such a beautiful story.
March 18, 2025
The story takes us between two very different characters, a teen named Kian and an elderly widower named Alfred. Our younger character Kian has been in the care system for as long as he can remember, as has his little brother, who he sees but can’t live with yet as he’s only seventeen and can’t be the responsible adult he needs—especially because Kian finds himself in trouble quite a lot. In fact, that’s how he meets Alfred. The widower has newspaper taped over his windows to keep out people from looking-in on his crammed-to-the-brim home, filled with trinkets and memories, wavering the line between collector and hoarder. When Kian throws a brick through Alfred’s window after becoming agitated, and gets into trouble when the act causes Alfred to become seriously ill at hospital, they arrange restorative justice in the name of clearing his house and tidying it up.
At first, Kian is horrified by the idea of it, and so is Alfred. They each have their reasons for not wanting to despite pressures from case workers and family members. Alfred doesn’t want a stranger touching his precious memories. Kian doesn’t want to even step foot in the house. But he knows the flip side is prison, and his brother never knowing him anymore. The two form an unlikely alliance, which funnels over the course of the story into an unlikely friendship. What were once two fractured and broken lives in disarray become salvaged by a lifeline neither anticipated in one another, the two brought to a conclusion that, sometimes, there is healing in the mess of our lives. And maybe they’ve given each other something neither thought possible just by meeting.
Overall, The Secret Collector was sentimentally stunning, evoking a warmth in my chest at every turn of the page. I can’t believe it’s Abigail’s debut. She writes with such graceful and touching lilts to ordinary lives, this deeply-rooted sense of authenticity. Sometimes I was hindered from a deeper connection to the characters earlier on as the story was built up brick by brick, but felt fully cemented to the characters by the end, my heart touched by every emotion—loss, forgiveness, new beginnings—leaving me with the knowledge that this was a truly great generational read, heartfelt from start to finish.
At first, Kian is horrified by the idea of it, and so is Alfred. They each have their reasons for not wanting to despite pressures from case workers and family members. Alfred doesn’t want a stranger touching his precious memories. Kian doesn’t want to even step foot in the house. But he knows the flip side is prison, and his brother never knowing him anymore. The two form an unlikely alliance, which funnels over the course of the story into an unlikely friendship. What were once two fractured and broken lives in disarray become salvaged by a lifeline neither anticipated in one another, the two brought to a conclusion that, sometimes, there is healing in the mess of our lives. And maybe they’ve given each other something neither thought possible just by meeting.
Overall, The Secret Collector was sentimentally stunning, evoking a warmth in my chest at every turn of the page. I can’t believe it’s Abigail’s debut. She writes with such graceful and touching lilts to ordinary lives, this deeply-rooted sense of authenticity. Sometimes I was hindered from a deeper connection to the characters earlier on as the story was built up brick by brick, but felt fully cemented to the characters by the end, my heart touched by every emotion—loss, forgiveness, new beginnings—leaving me with the knowledge that this was a truly great generational read, heartfelt from start to finish.
October 23, 2025
I made the mistake of starting this book on an evening. I didn’t put it down until I reached the last page in the early hours of the morning. Was it worth it? Absolutely!
We meet Alfred and Kian who are forced into coming together to clean up Alfred’s home as part of a restorative justice programme. Alfred is a hoarder. There is literally no room to move around his home due to the volume of items. He is lonely and has cut himself off from everyone after the loss of his wife. Kian is coming up for eighteen and hasn’t had the best start in life. I really felt for this young man who is wanting to do something with his life to make his younger brother proud of him but always seems to end up making the wrong choices.
So many times I wanted to give the characters a big hug in the story. Whilst Alfred and Kian are the opposite in so many ways, they both have a certain stubbornness. Being forced together is a shock to both of them and they are totally out of their comfort zone yet the relationship that develops between them was so endearing to read. Their pasts have both affected them deeply and they both have their challenges.
The Secret Collector was just wonderful! I loved every minute of it. It’s one of those stories that draws you in and you feel a deep connection to the characters. It’s beautifully written with so many heartwarming, heartbreaking and humorous moments. Whilst some parts made me sad, it is also uplifting and the ending couldn’t have been anymore perfect. An absolute gem of a book with characters that will stay with me for a very long time!
We meet Alfred and Kian who are forced into coming together to clean up Alfred’s home as part of a restorative justice programme. Alfred is a hoarder. There is literally no room to move around his home due to the volume of items. He is lonely and has cut himself off from everyone after the loss of his wife. Kian is coming up for eighteen and hasn’t had the best start in life. I really felt for this young man who is wanting to do something with his life to make his younger brother proud of him but always seems to end up making the wrong choices.
So many times I wanted to give the characters a big hug in the story. Whilst Alfred and Kian are the opposite in so many ways, they both have a certain stubbornness. Being forced together is a shock to both of them and they are totally out of their comfort zone yet the relationship that develops between them was so endearing to read. Their pasts have both affected them deeply and they both have their challenges.
The Secret Collector was just wonderful! I loved every minute of it. It’s one of those stories that draws you in and you feel a deep connection to the characters. It’s beautifully written with so many heartwarming, heartbreaking and humorous moments. Whilst some parts made me sad, it is also uplifting and the ending couldn’t have been anymore perfect. An absolute gem of a book with characters that will stay with me for a very long time!
October 16, 2025
Great book - really enjoyed it and kept wanting to read on when I should be turning the light out!!
Alfred - lost since his wife, Ida, died. No one around (estranged from his daughter, Maggie, due to a falling out) to stop him with his collecting. There’s barely a spare inch of room in his house without ‘stuff’ in it!
Kian - lost his way since going into care as a teenager. Thinks he can’t offer anything to anyone and falls in with the wrong crowd - but of course, it’s not his fault! When bored, he throws a brick through Alfred’s window.
A ‘restorative justice’ scheme brings these two characters together and proves to be a life changing experience for them both.
A really enjoyable book, which although I have no experience of such things, I really felt could be true to life (albeit this all went very well as I’m sure it doesn’t always!)
Alfred - lost since his wife, Ida, died. No one around (estranged from his daughter, Maggie, due to a falling out) to stop him with his collecting. There’s barely a spare inch of room in his house without ‘stuff’ in it!
Kian - lost his way since going into care as a teenager. Thinks he can’t offer anything to anyone and falls in with the wrong crowd - but of course, it’s not his fault! When bored, he throws a brick through Alfred’s window.
A ‘restorative justice’ scheme brings these two characters together and proves to be a life changing experience for them both.
A really enjoyable book, which although I have no experience of such things, I really felt could be true to life (albeit this all went very well as I’m sure it doesn’t always!)
April 4, 2025
A heart warming story about second chances, friendship and community.
Kian is struggling in life and walking down a very dodgy path. When he throws a brick through the window of lonely widower Alfred, thing go from bad to worse as he is forced to help Alfred around the house, but maybe this is just the chance he needs.
This was a lovely story of intergenerational friendship, of helping each other overcome problems and it was a very good uplifting read.
Both Alfred and Kian had their flaws and the dual POV helped with bringing out the troubles, but also shone a light on the good.
Kian is struggling in life and walking down a very dodgy path. When he throws a brick through the window of lonely widower Alfred, thing go from bad to worse as he is forced to help Alfred around the house, but maybe this is just the chance he needs.
This was a lovely story of intergenerational friendship, of helping each other overcome problems and it was a very good uplifting read.
Both Alfred and Kian had their flaws and the dual POV helped with bringing out the troubles, but also shone a light on the good.
January 26, 2026
Outstanding!!! I’ve read thousands of books in my lifetime and only a handful really stay with you forever and you never forget how they made you think and feel. I haven’t read one of those for a while until I read this one. What an incredible debut book by Abigail Johnson. I read it in less than a day as I just couldn’t put it down. Characters you truly got to know and like and wanted to meet them for real.
August 10, 2025
Het schattigste boek ooit.
Een soort intouchable verhaal maar dan ook weer totaal niet.
Zo’n mooi verhaal over vriendschap en gemeenschap. Zou het werkelijk aan iedereen aanraden, het was te lief maar tegelijkertijd niet saai. Kon het niet neerleggen omdat ik wel wilde weten wat er ging gebeuren.
Een soort intouchable verhaal maar dan ook weer totaal niet.
Zo’n mooi verhaal over vriendschap en gemeenschap. Zou het werkelijk aan iedereen aanraden, het was te lief maar tegelijkertijd niet saai. Kon het niet neerleggen omdat ik wel wilde weten wat er ging gebeuren.
August 17, 2025
Lovely story
Loved this story, read it in two nights. I found myself rooting for Kian and Alfred to find themselves, in different ways but unknowingly so similar. Looking forward to more from this new writer.
Loved this story, read it in two nights. I found myself rooting for Kian and Alfred to find themselves, in different ways but unknowingly so similar. Looking forward to more from this new writer.
January 14, 2026
Such a sweet book! It sort of reminded me of All The Lonely People by Mike Gayle which I read a whole back and also loved. Big fan of the grumpy turned sunshine characters. A tiny bit predictable but overall a feel good, cute read and I'd recommend
February 1, 2026
This was a lovely book covering the journey of two lonely individuals....how their lives collide and how they help each other. Sad and heartwarming in equal measures! I'll definitely be looking at more of this author's books.
March 28, 2025
A lovely, heartwarming story. I'm very glad I decided to read this one :)
April 4, 2025
A lovely story even though a little predictable. I enjoyed it, loved the characters and you have to love when things work out eventually and people are given a chance. Heartwarming.
June 27, 2025
Enjoyable heart warming read
August 17, 2025
Lovely book
Such a lovely book with gorgeous relatable characters. Enjoyed every page of this book. I would definitely recommend it to read
Such a lovely book with gorgeous relatable characters. Enjoyed every page of this book. I would definitely recommend it to read
December 1, 2025
A truly heartwarming and immersive read!
From the first page I was completely swept away by this gem. It is exceedingly well written, crafting a narrative that feels both immersive and deeply believable. The characters are truly the heart of this book; they were so lovingly developed that I adored following their journey. This novel is heartwarming, charming, and exactly the sort of satisfying read you won't want to put down. A definite five-star recommendation.
From the first page I was completely swept away by this gem. It is exceedingly well written, crafting a narrative that feels both immersive and deeply believable. The characters are truly the heart of this book; they were so lovingly developed that I adored following their journey. This novel is heartwarming, charming, and exactly the sort of satisfying read you won't want to put down. A definite five-star recommendation.
January 13, 2026
Heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship between a lonely old man and the troubled teen who through a brick through his window. 🥰
December 31, 2025
4.75/5
Loved, loved, loved this story and how the two characters came together under difficult circumstances.
Loved, loved, loved this story and how the two characters came together under difficult circumstances.
March 14, 2025
This was March's First Read's choice. It was a well written, lovely book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 11, 2025
A warming story of two different people and how they healed each other, eventhough they we're at different times and journeys in their lives.
This was the author's first book, highly recommend this beautifully written story .
This was the author's first book, highly recommend this beautifully written story .
January 2, 2025
Can one cluttered house become the haven for an unlikely friendship?!
My first story of 2025 and it was one which warmed my heart. Fans of short chapters & uplifting stories, get pre-ordering this now!
Alfred, a grieving widower & hoarder, crosses paths with Kian, a troubled teen, after a brick through Alfred’s window changes both their lives. Forced into a restorative justice programme, Kian must help declutter Alfred’s home - but neither is ready for the challenges, or the unlikely bond, that lies ahead.
What sets the characters aside in this story is that Abigail explores someone who has a hoarding disorder. It’s an interesting topic & one which Abigail doesn’t shy away from. It’s easy to dismiss such traits with derogatory judgements, but hoarding is often associated with mental health related illnesses or masking for something deeper. This is explored by way of grief for Alfred, who is still grieving for his wife & also coping with the estrangement from his daughter. The things he hoards are so dear to him & he feels real distress at the thought of these items being taken from him as they serve a real purpose in his lonely life. I really appreciated the exploration of this subject.
Kian was also a great character to explore & if anything he really resembles Hope. He’s still dealing with the fallout of being abandoned years earlier by his mum & has lacked any positive adult guidance and support. As a result, he’s ended up in a web of crime & a lack of boundaries. He’s a very real character & shows the reader there’s good inside most people given the chance of love & support.
In the spirit of enjoying an uplifting story, you do have to suspend a little disbelief at times. The short chapters don’t always allow the depth I perhaps wanted, however that’s testimony to how much I was enjoying the story & these characters. That said, it also makes cosy reading and one I finished within the day!
Overall, a charming debut from Abigail & one I enjoyed on New Years Day. Best of luck with the release - It’s a book full of joy!
My first story of 2025 and it was one which warmed my heart. Fans of short chapters & uplifting stories, get pre-ordering this now!
Alfred, a grieving widower & hoarder, crosses paths with Kian, a troubled teen, after a brick through Alfred’s window changes both their lives. Forced into a restorative justice programme, Kian must help declutter Alfred’s home - but neither is ready for the challenges, or the unlikely bond, that lies ahead.
What sets the characters aside in this story is that Abigail explores someone who has a hoarding disorder. It’s an interesting topic & one which Abigail doesn’t shy away from. It’s easy to dismiss such traits with derogatory judgements, but hoarding is often associated with mental health related illnesses or masking for something deeper. This is explored by way of grief for Alfred, who is still grieving for his wife & also coping with the estrangement from his daughter. The things he hoards are so dear to him & he feels real distress at the thought of these items being taken from him as they serve a real purpose in his lonely life. I really appreciated the exploration of this subject.
Kian was also a great character to explore & if anything he really resembles Hope. He’s still dealing with the fallout of being abandoned years earlier by his mum & has lacked any positive adult guidance and support. As a result, he’s ended up in a web of crime & a lack of boundaries. He’s a very real character & shows the reader there’s good inside most people given the chance of love & support.
In the spirit of enjoying an uplifting story, you do have to suspend a little disbelief at times. The short chapters don’t always allow the depth I perhaps wanted, however that’s testimony to how much I was enjoying the story & these characters. That said, it also makes cosy reading and one I finished within the day!
Overall, a charming debut from Abigail & one I enjoyed on New Years Day. Best of luck with the release - It’s a book full of joy!
April 23, 2025
One of the sweetest, most heart-warming books I've read in a long time.
March 12, 2025
Alfred has always collected unusual objects but since the death of his wife five years ago it's become an obsession. Things are so out of hand that he can barely move in his own home. When a teenager vandalises Alfred's home his social worker and the justice system see the opportunity for the pair to work together and restore Alfred's home to normal.
The Secret Collector by Abigail Johnson is one of those stories that will tug at your heartstrings. It features characters at the opposite ends of the age spectrum, elderly Alfred and teenager Kian, who are forced to work together, a situation neither wants nor likes.
The book is set in 1999 and Alfred lives alone, his wife died five years before and he's estranged from his daughter. Alfred is a bit of a recluse, he doesn't want to get to know his neighbours, and his only interest is adding to his growing mountain of unusual objects. He collects things other people throw away, not because they're valuable but for their "beauty, uniqueness or even an imagined past". As soon as I started reading Abigail Johnson's description of Alfred my mind immediately thought of the 1999 TV series Life Of Grime and elderly Mr Trebus.
Seventeen-year-old Kian is the other main character. He's been raised in care for most of his life but now lives alone while his young brother, Dan, remains in foster care. Kian has no job and no prospects, the only things he cares about are getting custody of Dan when he turns eighteen and getting drunk with his friends. It's following a drinking session that the lives of Kian and Alfred collide when Kian throws bricks through Alfred's window, causing Alfred to have a heart attack.
It is decided that restorative justice needs to happen, with Kian helping Alfred clear out the junk in his house. Alfred is opposed to this but realises it's the only way of getting the social worker who seems determined to consign him to a care home off his back. Neither of the pair is happy and a battle of wills ensues, it becomes an immovable object against an unstoppable force. As Kian moves stuff into a skip by day, Alfred moves them back into the property at night - and continues to add to the collection. You can really feel Kian's frustration with the situation.
Slowly the pair begin to chip away at each other's rough exterior, realising that they do have some things in common, but it is not an easy road, sometimes it's a case of one step forward then two steps back. Alfred is proud, self-reliant, wily and stubborn, whereas Kian is headstrong, impetuous and has low self-esteem. It is the fact that Kian knows if he doesn't complete his restorative justice programme he will end up in jail and that will put an end to his chances of becoming Dan's guardian that keeps the relationship alive.
The author doesn't shy away from some difficult topics, particularly the reality of siblings in care, and while the ending is uplifting Abigail Johnson avoids waving a magic wand, keeping the overall story grounded and realistic.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social
The Secret Collector by Abigail Johnson is one of those stories that will tug at your heartstrings. It features characters at the opposite ends of the age spectrum, elderly Alfred and teenager Kian, who are forced to work together, a situation neither wants nor likes.
The book is set in 1999 and Alfred lives alone, his wife died five years before and he's estranged from his daughter. Alfred is a bit of a recluse, he doesn't want to get to know his neighbours, and his only interest is adding to his growing mountain of unusual objects. He collects things other people throw away, not because they're valuable but for their "beauty, uniqueness or even an imagined past". As soon as I started reading Abigail Johnson's description of Alfred my mind immediately thought of the 1999 TV series Life Of Grime and elderly Mr Trebus.
Seventeen-year-old Kian is the other main character. He's been raised in care for most of his life but now lives alone while his young brother, Dan, remains in foster care. Kian has no job and no prospects, the only things he cares about are getting custody of Dan when he turns eighteen and getting drunk with his friends. It's following a drinking session that the lives of Kian and Alfred collide when Kian throws bricks through Alfred's window, causing Alfred to have a heart attack.
It is decided that restorative justice needs to happen, with Kian helping Alfred clear out the junk in his house. Alfred is opposed to this but realises it's the only way of getting the social worker who seems determined to consign him to a care home off his back. Neither of the pair is happy and a battle of wills ensues, it becomes an immovable object against an unstoppable force. As Kian moves stuff into a skip by day, Alfred moves them back into the property at night - and continues to add to the collection. You can really feel Kian's frustration with the situation.
Slowly the pair begin to chip away at each other's rough exterior, realising that they do have some things in common, but it is not an easy road, sometimes it's a case of one step forward then two steps back. Alfred is proud, self-reliant, wily and stubborn, whereas Kian is headstrong, impetuous and has low self-esteem. It is the fact that Kian knows if he doesn't complete his restorative justice programme he will end up in jail and that will put an end to his chances of becoming Dan's guardian that keeps the relationship alive.
The author doesn't shy away from some difficult topics, particularly the reality of siblings in care, and while the ending is uplifting Abigail Johnson avoids waving a magic wand, keeping the overall story grounded and realistic.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social
Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews