The Hidden Pocket

by Ellen Khodakivska

Matilda Pietraszek and Benjamin Duncan were a study in polar opposites. The single thing they had in common was that they both loved to fly. However, opposites attract. One day they decided to fly together. Nonetheless, this mutual flight became fatal for both. To regain the ability to fly again they simply needed to peer into a hidden pocket. The point was whether the hidden pocket’s content was effective enough to spread their wings again.

236 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 2019

Reviews

[Kristina Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful story is like a rainbow created of many elements. In the same place, we have drama, tragedy, philosophy of life and art with symbols. The author introduces us to Matilda, Polish woman who is an air acrobat and focused on aim. She is well mannered from a good family, but the appearance of Benjamin will turn her life in an unexpected direction. Opposites attract, but the various insights of life will be a too big obstacle. The author jumps from past to future, from dream to reality, leads us in various parts of the world like Rome and Albania, but the point is the same, this couple is in the relationship victim-aggressor and even their relatives know this. The woman focuses herself on books and finds the strength in hidden pockets where are her mother's messages. The reader could feel sadness and learn a lesson about the loss and unpredictable nature of life, but here is enjoyment in the burst of emotions. I was mad at Benjamin who rejects responsibility and lives life in a selfish way because Matilda deserved better. I understand his point because indeed he is an eagle, and such a bird can't be bonded, even with such a special woman as Matilda was.

[Eve Koguce · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Hidden Pocket” by Ellen Khodakivska is one of those stories that usually stay untold. While reading, I had a strong feeling that a door to a chamber of secrets has been opened specially for me, and once shared, those secrets would become a part of my own jewelry box for memories and impressions.

I’d call “The Hidden Pocket” the story of life, although it is undoubtedly a love story. But there is so much more to it than the story of how Matilda and Benjamin met, fell in love, and where their love has brought them. This is a story about choices that everyone makes and about what leads us to make certain decisions. This is also a story about family ties and how important it is to feel loved and valued by those who are the closest to you. I can say with absolute certainty that if you grow up surrounded by love, care, and kindness, it gives you a unique strength to overcome almost any obstacle, which life is generous at throwing at people.

The book made me think about those times when you meet a person, and you feel that there is a vast ocean of untold stories hidden in their memories. The stories that would make someone’s life brighter – would make someone think differently and maybe change their lives. So, I’m glad that the story of Matilda’s life was told by Ellen Khodakivska’s hand. It has made my life brighter, as it reminded me that in my life, I’ve made the right choices.

[Corlet Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

How sweet is this book, I loved the tale of the Forget-Me-Not and The Wind. Ellen painted this tale so beautifully. I highlighted many passages that I loved. I could picture the aerial skills, the sweetness of our main character, the hope that the wind would behave and not take the sweet little flower and consume it. I loved the thought of a hidden pocket and the message in there from her mother. ❤️

[SDBallentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden Pocket by Ellen Khodakivska was an excellent book. I loved Matilda. I felt her struggles and shared her pain and griefs and triumphs as I traveled through her life.
My emotions went up and down every time I opened the book.

I did not have sympathy for Benjamin. I just wanted to slap him because of what he was doing to himself and everybody else!

Ellen had two strong metaphors that seated the characters and actions superbly. I won't say what they were as to not give a spoiler. But if you miss reading this book, you will miss two of the best metaphors I've ever read.
Finally, I loved her descriptions of places and different styles of living. Thank you, Ellen, for the vicarious adventure.

[Ben Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden Pocket by Ellen Khodakivska was, at times, difficult to distinguish between a biographical-based novel and poetry in motion. The story was at times whimsical and moved around a lot in time and location but I loved how the story related back to memories of Matilda's mother. I enjoyed accompanying her on the journey of her life and felt both the bitter and sweet moments. As the reader accompanies her, you glimpse the struggles she encounters in life and the joy she finds in her travels and books. Through both her frustrating relationship with Benjamin and both the bitter and sweet moments, one cannot help but wonder about the choices that people make and how they affect their ability to find happiness. It also illustrates the resiliency we can find in life as a result of a close relationship with family and those who support us in unexpected moments, even long after they are gone from our lives or at the very least not as large of a presence in it. The reminders they leave us with leaves an impression about what a great influence we can have in the lives of those we love even, and maybe especially, in even the small things.