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Hey Pickpocket
Discover the enchanting world of Hey Pickpocket
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.
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.
206 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2025
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 16, 2025
I seldom stray from the South in my fiction reading, but I’m always up for a trip to Ireland. And so I heartily recommend Allison Cundiff's HEY PICKPOCKET (JackLeg Press), set in the west of the country. It’s about running away, clear to the sea, and somehow finding what you need in that small, faroff place. A fave passage: {“Welcome to Inis Mór.” The sweep of her arm told me that wherever I stood, I’d be standing on the whole island at once.} Buy this book, and also seek out the “soundtrack” on Spotify – the Pogues, Waterboys, and Sinead! Like Guinness, this book is good for you.
January 3, 2026
I read the book twice. The first was for an article and the second time for pleasure. It features an interesting narrative, complete with an authentic description of far flung places in Ireland and interesting characters that don't rely on stereotypes.
You can feel the characters live and breathe in story rich with grief, loss, love, alcohol, medical ailments, fish and the sea. The story mixes a romance with a slice of life tale, giving the book a nice texture. The prose flows well and doesn't drag.
You can feel the characters live and breathe in story rich with grief, loss, love, alcohol, medical ailments, fish and the sea. The story mixes a romance with a slice of life tale, giving the book a nice texture. The prose flows well and doesn't drag.
September 17, 2025
This book is amazing so far. I’m about halfway through and can’t put it down. It’s literary fiction with a refreshing take on modern love. Love that the main character is a trauma ICU nurse from STL! Beautifully written, entertaining, and the perfect book for all ages. I’m 26 and I feel like I can really relate to the character.
November 1, 2025
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.
More book reviews on the Cantina Book Club website: https://cantinabookclub.com/reviews/
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.
More book reviews on the Cantina Book Club website: https://cantinabookclub.com/reviews/
September 18, 2025
Beautifully written literary fiction. Impeccable prose throughout the novel, can tell the author is a poet. The wonderfully written unwinding imagery had me feeling as though I was alongside the protagonist for the whole of her travels. An excellent read from cover to cover!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews