Hidden in the margins

by Magali Elisa Moon

In a quiet English town, a college student lives on the margins of life, their world confined by the walls of chronic illnesses, and the whispers of a life they long to live. They seek refuge under the Willow tree, and within the dusty corners of the old college library, where the stories of others become their only escape.
But one day, they stumble upon something unexpected, something that feels different from everything they have always known. It's a discovery that connects them to a world they never imagined- a world where they are not as alone as they once believed. This story is filled with sadness and glimpses of hope. Will they surrender to the shadows, or rewrite their story and discover the courage to live on their terms? Join them in this moving tale that proves that even in the face of a lifelong illness, one can find strength, solace, and the will to live.

Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2024

Reviews

[Eva Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little read with very nice and real chronic illness representation and cosy bookish vibes. It isn’t a literary masterpiece, but it’s quite nicely written for a debut of an 18-year-old author.

[amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden in the Margins was a short yet comforting read, crackling fireplaces and dusty bookshelves, arched stained glass light piercing the dark and the assuring feel of a book in the crook of your arm. Hidden in the Margins portrayed chronic illness with an honesty that was needed, and the daily struggles of its heavy shadow. However, it is not a book without hope, without the pale winter sun shedding its veil to uncover the full warmth of spring.

[Evelina Karlsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the book, it was so beautiful! 😍🥹

[Josie Musick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book and I will reread again. Living the representation! Will recommend to others

[Didi Aphra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enveloped by the comfort of books and quiet solitude is how we find our protagonist in Hidden in the Margins. The sense of misunderstanding conveyed is one I am far too familiar with, “Growing up, I never felt like I belonged……I constantly felt like an outsider in a world that seemed to belong to everyone else.”

Hidden in the Margins depicts the life of a chronically ill young woman with stirring honesty and gives us gentle reminders of hope in the melting of snow come spring.

I admire Magali so much for recognizing the underrepresentation of chronically ill stories in literature and attempting to fill in that gap with her own book. Thank you to Magali for sending me a digital copy to review <3

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot explain why but this book understands me in a way I didn’t know I needed to be understood. The writing is phenomenal and feels like autumn walks and rainy reading days. This book perfectly captures the experience of life with physical and mental limitations and the toll it takes on a person. Though it was short, this book was a comforting read and I cannot recommend it enough.

[Anni · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was very sweet. It felt like a warm cup of tea on a cold winter night. it’s a short story about a student who loves books and lives with chronic illness. It’s hopefull, cozy and honest, written in a poetic way.

[Sofia Malz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, especially because of the references to other books that I also like. It made reading feel like somebody was telling me a story.

[naschi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I wanted to read a book about managing chronic illness. I've always felt like there is not enough literature that handles this topic with depth and complexity.

I thought that this is a pretty impressive debut novel from a young writer. It has a gentle and hopeful vibe with pretty writing. With nature, university, books, and old libraries, the setting feels pretty cosy without downplaying the devastating struggles that come with living with chronic illness.