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What the World Doesn't See
Run away from what they see. Discover who you are. Maudie and Jake's family is falling to pieces - their mum's been struggling with her grief since they lost Dad and one night she vanishes. When Jake is put into care, Maudie can't take it any more. She comes up with a wild plan to pull their family back together - by kidnapping Jake. On the run in Cornwall, Jake and Maudie each find something they hadn't expected - freedom and love. But can they find Mum and a way to heal together?A powerful and insightful novel about grief, disability and first love; a story about getting lost and finding yourself.
336 pages, Paperback
Published June 29, 2023
8 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Mel Darbon
3 books40 followersMel Darbon spent a large part of her childhood inventing stories to keep her autistic brother happy on car journeys. She won’t mention the time spent with him standing by level crossings waiting for the InterCity 125 to go past as she wouldn’t want to be labelled a train spotter.
Life took her in many different directions working as a theatre designer, a freelance artist, teaching young adults with learning disabilities and running creative workshops for teenage mums, young offenders and toddlers (though not all together).
Mel now writes young adult novels and is a recent graduate of Bath Spa’s MA in Writing For Young People, where she found a channel to give voice to young people who otherwise might not be heard.
Life took her in many different directions working as a theatre designer, a freelance artist, teaching young adults with learning disabilities and running creative workshops for teenage mums, young offenders and toddlers (though not all together).
Mel now writes young adult novels and is a recent graduate of Bath Spa’s MA in Writing For Young People, where she found a channel to give voice to young people who otherwise might not be heard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 2, 2023
I really liked this book. The last 50 pages had me in a blubbering mess.
And that authors note… can we have 5 stars just for that?
The representation was absolutely fantastic and it really moved me. Literally to tears.
RIP Guy. And thank you, Mel Darbon.
And that authors note… can we have 5 stars just for that?
The representation was absolutely fantastic and it really moved me. Literally to tears.
RIP Guy. And thank you, Mel Darbon.
January 3, 2023
First of all, I love stories with characters on the autism spectrum. Second, I really adore the cover. Third, I wish I loved the execution of this book more than I actually did.
Sometimes I hate to review a book, especially when there’s potentially so much to love, and somehow I don’t feel it. What the World doesn’t See is a story about two siblings, Maudy and Jake, who lost their dad two years before. While Jake is on the autism spectrum and their mum struggles with grief, Maudy tries to be the good daughter. Until their mum disappears and Jake is put into care.
The story is told in a dual narrative, mostly Maudy’s and sometimes Jake’s. It’s tangible throughout the book that Mel Darbon has experience with an autistic brother, and I loved to be in his head from time to time. What I liked less, though, were Maudy’s chapters. I found the writing in her chapters a little young, more middle-grade than young adult. And to be honest, the simple writing pulled me out of the story.
Although I didn’t love the story, I know this is a book many of you might love. So, if you love to read an honest story about grief and autism, you definitely should check out this book!
I received an ARC from Usborne Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Sometimes I hate to review a book, especially when there’s potentially so much to love, and somehow I don’t feel it. What the World doesn’t See is a story about two siblings, Maudy and Jake, who lost their dad two years before. While Jake is on the autism spectrum and their mum struggles with grief, Maudy tries to be the good daughter. Until their mum disappears and Jake is put into care.
The story is told in a dual narrative, mostly Maudy’s and sometimes Jake’s. It’s tangible throughout the book that Mel Darbon has experience with an autistic brother, and I loved to be in his head from time to time. What I liked less, though, were Maudy’s chapters. I found the writing in her chapters a little young, more middle-grade than young adult. And to be honest, the simple writing pulled me out of the story.
Although I didn’t love the story, I know this is a book many of you might love. So, if you love to read an honest story about grief and autism, you definitely should check out this book!
I received an ARC from Usborne Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Follow me on Instagram
February 26, 2023
I read this pacy, dual narrative YA novel in two sittings. I had high expectations, knowing that this was a story with a disabled young protagonist, as well as having themes of grief, young caring responsibilities and mental ill health. I wanted this to be 'representation done right'. I wasn't disappointed. Maudie and Jake's stories were in very capable hands with author Mel Darbon.
In her 'authors note', Darbon explains how she wrote from a deeply personal experience of having an autistic sibling. Whilst importantly she says that Jake's experience (or her brother's) will not be every autistics experience, the novel highlights common 'barriers', both physical and social, that Jake and his family had to navigate on a daily basis. Many of these barriers stem from ignorance, however others arise from active prejudice.
The story grabbed me from the start and I was eager to know where their mum had gone. I appreciated the way the story, seamlessly goes back in time, to when they were a family of four with Dad, as this fleshed out the narrative being told in the present day, and provided understandings for why characters behaved and felt the way they did. As a mum, and as a cancer-survivor, I found the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by Maudie, and her mum, at times quite heartbreaking and raw to read.
I loved Jake's 'voice', his thoughts pared back to the essential details, and how his reflective sense of humour often came out at very inopportune times! It felt like as Maudie and Jake were physically journeying, they also went through a transformative emotional journey together too, and not just moving forward with their grief. Jake was able to show Maudie, what he was actually capable of, when given the freedom and opportunity, and Maudie learnt the importance of enabling Jake, doing things with, not always for, him.
The cast of additional characters in the book, all earn their place, adding a wonderful depth, and many other points of connection with the reader. I loved Maudie's friendship with Liv, and her developing first relationship with Gerren, felt realistic.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this novel to an upper middle-grade or younger YA audience.
Empathy-boosting books like this, are critically important, in a time where 'different' is so often equated with 'less than'. Books like this, play a key part in changing this conversation.
We absolutely need more books with disability representation, especially those that don't focus on 'special needs', as 'What The World Doesn't See' teaches us, is that autistic /disabled young people actually have the same 'needs' as those of us without autism or a disability; to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion, to be treated with kindness and respect, and to fulfil their potential. Ultimately, this is a story about love, in all its forms, and we all need more of this in our world.
Thanks to #Netgalley for an e-arc of #WhatTheWorldDoesntSee
In her 'authors note', Darbon explains how she wrote from a deeply personal experience of having an autistic sibling. Whilst importantly she says that Jake's experience (or her brother's) will not be every autistics experience, the novel highlights common 'barriers', both physical and social, that Jake and his family had to navigate on a daily basis. Many of these barriers stem from ignorance, however others arise from active prejudice.
The story grabbed me from the start and I was eager to know where their mum had gone. I appreciated the way the story, seamlessly goes back in time, to when they were a family of four with Dad, as this fleshed out the narrative being told in the present day, and provided understandings for why characters behaved and felt the way they did. As a mum, and as a cancer-survivor, I found the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by Maudie, and her mum, at times quite heartbreaking and raw to read.
I loved Jake's 'voice', his thoughts pared back to the essential details, and how his reflective sense of humour often came out at very inopportune times! It felt like as Maudie and Jake were physically journeying, they also went through a transformative emotional journey together too, and not just moving forward with their grief. Jake was able to show Maudie, what he was actually capable of, when given the freedom and opportunity, and Maudie learnt the importance of enabling Jake, doing things with, not always for, him.
The cast of additional characters in the book, all earn their place, adding a wonderful depth, and many other points of connection with the reader. I loved Maudie's friendship with Liv, and her developing first relationship with Gerren, felt realistic.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this novel to an upper middle-grade or younger YA audience.
Empathy-boosting books like this, are critically important, in a time where 'different' is so often equated with 'less than'. Books like this, play a key part in changing this conversation.
We absolutely need more books with disability representation, especially those that don't focus on 'special needs', as 'What The World Doesn't See' teaches us, is that autistic /disabled young people actually have the same 'needs' as those of us without autism or a disability; to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion, to be treated with kindness and respect, and to fulfil their potential. Ultimately, this is a story about love, in all its forms, and we all need more of this in our world.
Thanks to #Netgalley for an e-arc of #WhatTheWorldDoesntSee
April 3, 2023
I have never read a book that is centred around someone who has a sibling with learning disabilities, which for me is such a personal thing to read and made me so emotional. This was so nice to read, there were a few bits I was unsure on (not 100% on the Jake chapters) but it was so nice to see some representation like this in YA.
April 5, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
April 2, 2023
“Everybody wants happiness, nobody wants pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.”
What The World Doesn't See by Mel Darbon brings new life to the neurodiverse genre in fiction. It's a YA novel, but it's certainly a story that deserves to be read for all ages. After being the author's sensitivity reader for this story, I felt incredibly humbled to be part of this novel. The story follows Maudie and her severely autistic brother, Jake, and is written in a dual narrative between the two. Their mother has vanished, having had a breakdown after two years of trying to cope with the death of her husband. Maudie's aunt is left in charge but has Jake put into temporary care, as she cannot cope with Jake. Maudie is devastated; she knows this is the wrong thing for Jake, as he needs his routines - and she can't live without him. So, she kidnaps her brother from his care home and takes him down to Cornwall, hoping her mother will find out they've vanished too.
The two main characters are based on the author and her brother, who was autistic. Her portrayal of Jake in the book is very accurate to him, bar the fact Usborne Publications wanted the character to progress in his achievements in the story. Her brother, unfortunately, is not able to do this. As an autie, myself, the essence of Jake felt like any neurodiverse individual combined. I was able to relate to him because of this choice. He was written well, and I had no issues with your portrayal of him. The use of third-person narration was an exciting choice. I enjoyed it when Ms Darbon wrote about Jake's self-talking. It proved to be calming and reflective of many autistic people. It was handled very well.
This story is about second chances, misconceptions, grief, friendship, love, and being there for those who need help. And it's about showing us that Jake has so much to teach us and can only ever be positive in people's lives. Once Maudie understands Jake's ways of living, hopefully, she can also. So if you have someone on the spectrum or who is mentally disabled, just let you know that accepting it can be a tough ask for some; you can manage yourself much better; although it's like Groundhog Day most days, it'll alleviate in the end…because they'll catch you before you fall.
March 4, 2023
What The World Doesn’t See is told through a perfectly paced dual POV narrative, alternating between the perspectives of Maudie and Jake. The character of Jake provides a really authentic representation of autism and the inclusion of chapters written from Jake’s perspective gave Jake his own voice in the story. We don’t see enough books putting autistic characters at the centre of their own narratives so I think this really sets What The World Doesn’t See apart from other books.
We also have neurodivergent adult representation through the character of Jiera and I found this to be a really important inclusion as it reminds readers that neurodivergent children become neurodivergent adults and therefore it’s not just children who may experience some of the difficulties explored through Jake’s character.
The story provides a moving exploration of the grief experienced by both adults and children following the death of a loved one. I particularly found the exploration of Jake’s understanding of death really interesting and it was really moving to see his understanding of where his Dad had gone building as the book progressed.
I adored the sibling bond between Maudie and Jake and how fiercely Maudie advocated for Jake. The blossoming relationship between Maudie and Gerren was also very sweet. It was arguably rather juvenile at times when you think about the ages of the characters but this is understandable given the age range the book is targeted at.
I did struggle in parts with the maturity of the character of Maudie as, in some aspects of the book, she seems to not have the grasp on reality that a 17 nearly 18 year old would have. For example, she thinks that the police won’t be involved in the case of the abduction of a vulnerable child from their foster home. To a degree I can understand that this could be linked to the trauma of parental loss and then parental abandonment not making her think rationally, but I do still think that it didn’t feel like the actions someone approaching adulthood would think appropriate.
What The World Doesn’t See is a must-read for young adult and mature middle grade readers to build empathy and educate on neurodivergence and the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. It’s a powerful story with so much heart to it and I know it will really stay with anyone who reads it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
We also have neurodivergent adult representation through the character of Jiera and I found this to be a really important inclusion as it reminds readers that neurodivergent children become neurodivergent adults and therefore it’s not just children who may experience some of the difficulties explored through Jake’s character.
The story provides a moving exploration of the grief experienced by both adults and children following the death of a loved one. I particularly found the exploration of Jake’s understanding of death really interesting and it was really moving to see his understanding of where his Dad had gone building as the book progressed.
I adored the sibling bond between Maudie and Jake and how fiercely Maudie advocated for Jake. The blossoming relationship between Maudie and Gerren was also very sweet. It was arguably rather juvenile at times when you think about the ages of the characters but this is understandable given the age range the book is targeted at.
I did struggle in parts with the maturity of the character of Maudie as, in some aspects of the book, she seems to not have the grasp on reality that a 17 nearly 18 year old would have. For example, she thinks that the police won’t be involved in the case of the abduction of a vulnerable child from their foster home. To a degree I can understand that this could be linked to the trauma of parental loss and then parental abandonment not making her think rationally, but I do still think that it didn’t feel like the actions someone approaching adulthood would think appropriate.
What The World Doesn’t See is a must-read for young adult and mature middle grade readers to build empathy and educate on neurodivergence and the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. It’s a powerful story with so much heart to it and I know it will really stay with anyone who reads it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
March 18, 2023
Finding books that represent disability and neurodiversity has been a priority for my classroom library this year. And What the World Doesn’t See is a wonderful addition.
I can honestly say I felt every emotion while reading this book.
As a mum, I had so much empathy for Maudie and Jake’s mother. Grieving for husband and taking care of two children, including Jake, who has complex learning difficulties, has taken its toll, and she has hit rock bottom. In desperation, she calls her sister to come and look after the children and disappears.
Teenage Maudie is left to pick up the pieces of this crisis. Struggling with school and caring for Jake, who can not cope without routines, Maudie relies on her best friend for support. While her friends are worrying about romance, clubbing, and college applications, Maudie has much bigger concerns.
When her aunt arranges for Jake to go to some respite specialist foster care, Maudie is devastated. She has already lost her parents and can not stand the thought of losing Jake. She does not see herself as a carer, only a sister.
She comes up with a plan to ‘kidnap’ Jake and take him away from foster care. Hoping to shock her mum into returning and prove to everyone that she is capable of looking after Jake, Maudie heads to Cornwall, where she finds support in the kindness of strangers.
This book highlights the challenges families face when caring for disabled teenagers and the problems they experience when out in public. There are some incredibly cruel and insensitive reactions to Jake and his meltdowns. He is definitely an easy taregt for some spiteful and judgemental responses from strangers.
Maudie is so good at calling out this behaviour and by doing educates some people along the way.
There is also so much joy in this book. The love between Jake and Maudie and the close relationship they share is beautifully done. The scenes written from Jake’s perspective shows how insightful he can be and what he observes about other people without really understanding what it means.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s great teen/YA – well written with empathetic characters. It will definitely be going on my classroom bookshelf.
I can honestly say I felt every emotion while reading this book.
As a mum, I had so much empathy for Maudie and Jake’s mother. Grieving for husband and taking care of two children, including Jake, who has complex learning difficulties, has taken its toll, and she has hit rock bottom. In desperation, she calls her sister to come and look after the children and disappears.
Teenage Maudie is left to pick up the pieces of this crisis. Struggling with school and caring for Jake, who can not cope without routines, Maudie relies on her best friend for support. While her friends are worrying about romance, clubbing, and college applications, Maudie has much bigger concerns.
When her aunt arranges for Jake to go to some respite specialist foster care, Maudie is devastated. She has already lost her parents and can not stand the thought of losing Jake. She does not see herself as a carer, only a sister.
She comes up with a plan to ‘kidnap’ Jake and take him away from foster care. Hoping to shock her mum into returning and prove to everyone that she is capable of looking after Jake, Maudie heads to Cornwall, where she finds support in the kindness of strangers.
This book highlights the challenges families face when caring for disabled teenagers and the problems they experience when out in public. There are some incredibly cruel and insensitive reactions to Jake and his meltdowns. He is definitely an easy taregt for some spiteful and judgemental responses from strangers.
Maudie is so good at calling out this behaviour and by doing educates some people along the way.
There is also so much joy in this book. The love between Jake and Maudie and the close relationship they share is beautifully done. The scenes written from Jake’s perspective shows how insightful he can be and what he observes about other people without really understanding what it means.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s great teen/YA – well written with empathetic characters. It will definitely be going on my classroom bookshelf.
February 25, 2023
Since Maudie and Jake's Dad died, their mum has not been coping with her grief as well as Maudie thought... Until one day she disappears. Maudie is crushed and things only get worse when Jake is put into care. That's when she decides to take things into her hands, kidnap Jake, run away to Cornwall, and force Mum to come back to them.
Will Maudie's plan work? Can they find her and overcome their grief as a family?
It's evident from the start that an incommensurable lot of care and love has gone into the writing of What the World Doesn't See.
In her Author Note, Mel Darbon says: "I wanted to give my brother a voice he never had (...) My brother couldn't easily communicate what he wanted from life, and what he was feeling. His needs were complex and he required twenty-four hour care. He had limited speech. Because of this, I know I can never fully understand how he felt and can only record what I observed and learned over the years, having such a close relationship with him."
Maudie and Jack's story is told alternatively in each character's voice and each one rings movingly true, maybe because the siblings' relationship itself is bursting with love, compassion and sincerity.
What the World Doesn't See is also a wonderful story of first love and finding yourself on a page-turning background of kidnapping, life on the run and danger! (I won't say anymore, you will have to read it :))
I loved it!
Will Maudie's plan work? Can they find her and overcome their grief as a family?
It's evident from the start that an incommensurable lot of care and love has gone into the writing of What the World Doesn't See.
In her Author Note, Mel Darbon says: "I wanted to give my brother a voice he never had (...) My brother couldn't easily communicate what he wanted from life, and what he was feeling. His needs were complex and he required twenty-four hour care. He had limited speech. Because of this, I know I can never fully understand how he felt and can only record what I observed and learned over the years, having such a close relationship with him."
Maudie and Jack's story is told alternatively in each character's voice and each one rings movingly true, maybe because the siblings' relationship itself is bursting with love, compassion and sincerity.
What the World Doesn't See is also a wonderful story of first love and finding yourself on a page-turning background of kidnapping, life on the run and danger! (I won't say anymore, you will have to read it :))
I loved it!
February 3, 2023
I love this book.
It has so much heart, so much warmth, great characters and tells a cracking story; first of a of a family torn apart, by tragic but understandable reasons: Jake and Maudie’s mum, grieving from their lost father is unable to cope, and Jake, who has learning disabilities is taken to foster care. Then; an odyssey and escape to the Cornish coast, where, with the kindness of new friends, Gerren and Brae, Maudie and Jake just might find what, and who, they are searching for.
More than that would give spoilers; suffice to say; the search for their mum and for some kind of peace has real emotional depth.
Jake is lovingly portrayed, with all the foibles, difficulties and – yes - challenges, that learning disabilities can present, both to the person themselves and to those who love them. The difficulties of, and the blind reactions of the world to, such disabilities are not shied away from.
Central to all this is Maudie. She is patient, kind, and prepared to take huge risks for the sake of her brother. In fact she loves him so much, she almost neglects to live her own life. But through her growing relationship with Gerren, this question too is both addressed and resolved.
It’s all beautifully done; a truthful, moving and heart-warming book.
It has so much heart, so much warmth, great characters and tells a cracking story; first of a of a family torn apart, by tragic but understandable reasons: Jake and Maudie’s mum, grieving from their lost father is unable to cope, and Jake, who has learning disabilities is taken to foster care. Then; an odyssey and escape to the Cornish coast, where, with the kindness of new friends, Gerren and Brae, Maudie and Jake just might find what, and who, they are searching for.
More than that would give spoilers; suffice to say; the search for their mum and for some kind of peace has real emotional depth.
Jake is lovingly portrayed, with all the foibles, difficulties and – yes - challenges, that learning disabilities can present, both to the person themselves and to those who love them. The difficulties of, and the blind reactions of the world to, such disabilities are not shied away from.
Central to all this is Maudie. She is patient, kind, and prepared to take huge risks for the sake of her brother. In fact she loves him so much, she almost neglects to live her own life. But through her growing relationship with Gerren, this question too is both addressed and resolved.
It’s all beautifully done; a truthful, moving and heart-warming book.
March 7, 2023
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is one of my favourite books, so I couldn't wait to start reading.
Their father has passed away and their mother, struggling with her loss has decided she's had enough and takes off, but to where exactly nobody knows. Jake is on the autism spectrum and finds himself being placed into care, his sister Maudie hatches a plan to kidnap her brother right back and they run away, finding themselves in a caravan in Cornwall.
Jake was adorable and his relationship with sister Maudie heartwarming and their bond unbreakable.
Told from the perspectives of both siblings we were able to understand how Jake perceives things, his innocence and the barriers he has to face. Maudie is her brothers unpaid carer, effectively putting her own life on hold for his needs.
The story is absolutely wonderful and a joy to read. It's beautifully written and the author pulls on her personal experiences of having an autistic sibling.
And...have the tissues close to hand, it's a tear jerker!
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀.
Many thanks to Kaleidoscopic Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Their father has passed away and their mother, struggling with her loss has decided she's had enough and takes off, but to where exactly nobody knows. Jake is on the autism spectrum and finds himself being placed into care, his sister Maudie hatches a plan to kidnap her brother right back and they run away, finding themselves in a caravan in Cornwall.
Jake was adorable and his relationship with sister Maudie heartwarming and their bond unbreakable.
Told from the perspectives of both siblings we were able to understand how Jake perceives things, his innocence and the barriers he has to face. Maudie is her brothers unpaid carer, effectively putting her own life on hold for his needs.
The story is absolutely wonderful and a joy to read. It's beautifully written and the author pulls on her personal experiences of having an autistic sibling.
And...have the tissues close to hand, it's a tear jerker!
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀.
Many thanks to Kaleidoscopic Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 4, 2023
Maudie and Jake’s father died two years ago and they’ve been struggling to come to terms with their grief ever since. One night their mum disappears so Maudie and Jake decide to go and look for her.
Jake has special needs. Maudie is devoted to him and is determined to find their mum in order to bring the family back together.
The story is told in dual narrative - predominantly Maudie’s version of events, but interspersed with Jake’s reflections. I liked Maudie and her friend Liv. I also liked the characters they met at the caravan park. The relationship between Maudie and her brother was central to the story and totally believable.
Although this story had a lot going for it, there were a few things I didn’t like. I found the idea that a mum could just walk out, leaving a child with learning difficulties, who they had refused to put in care, with only his 17 year old sister and an aunt who had previously advocated care just unbelievable, no matter how much pressure she was under. I also disliked the writing style - too many short sentences meant that the story didn’t flow as well as it could have done.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jake has special needs. Maudie is devoted to him and is determined to find their mum in order to bring the family back together.
The story is told in dual narrative - predominantly Maudie’s version of events, but interspersed with Jake’s reflections. I liked Maudie and her friend Liv. I also liked the characters they met at the caravan park. The relationship between Maudie and her brother was central to the story and totally believable.
Although this story had a lot going for it, there were a few things I didn’t like. I found the idea that a mum could just walk out, leaving a child with learning difficulties, who they had refused to put in care, with only his 17 year old sister and an aunt who had previously advocated care just unbelievable, no matter how much pressure she was under. I also disliked the writing style - too many short sentences meant that the story didn’t flow as well as it could have done.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2023
When Maudie's Dad died of cancer, her family's world imploded. Both Maudie and her Mum barely had chance to grieve as they needed to care for Jake, Maudie's brother, who has profound difficulties. Now, two years later, Maudie is making plans for her future at college alongside best friend Izzy, her Mum, however, really cannot cope and suddenly leaves. Maudie finds that legally she cannot care for Jake on her own and their Aunt Eve sends Jake into temporary foster care. Maudie decides that she must get Mum back and 'kidnaps' Jake to travel to Cornwall, a place of happy memories.
As part of our school reading programme I had to read Darbon's last book' Rosie Loves Jack' with my form group. They loved the story and it takes a lot to get through to 15-year-olds! Therefore I had high expectations of this book and was not disappointed. Darbon is very clear that she writes to show that people with disabilities have thoughts and feelings and she promotes independence as well as highlighting negative attitudes. Maudie is a misguided but feisty heroine and, although the plot is as creaky as a caravan (!), it's a great book. I'm sure my form would love this as well.
As part of our school reading programme I had to read Darbon's last book' Rosie Loves Jack' with my form group. They loved the story and it takes a lot to get through to 15-year-olds! Therefore I had high expectations of this book and was not disappointed. Darbon is very clear that she writes to show that people with disabilities have thoughts and feelings and she promotes independence as well as highlighting negative attitudes. Maudie is a misguided but feisty heroine and, although the plot is as creaky as a caravan (!), it's a great book. I'm sure my form would love this as well.
May 29, 2025
3.5/5
First of all, I really loved the cover, it is so cutee. Probably loved it more than the book itself. Hate to review this one, especially when so many people enjoyed and loved it, but somehow I didn’t feel it. It's a story about two siblings, Maudy and Jake, who lost their dad two years before. While Jake is on the autism spectrum and their mum struggles with grief, Maudy tries to be the good daughter. However, their mother disappears and Jake is put into care (by their aunt, Eve). The story is told in dual pov, mostly Maudy’s and sometimes Jake’s. I loved being in Jake's head from time to time, because then I could feel exactly what Jake was feeling. However, I didn't like Maudy’s chapters. The writing in her chapters was really childish and didn't feel young adult. I personally didn’t love the storyline, but definitely read this if you want to read an honest story about grief and autism.
First of all, I really loved the cover, it is so cutee. Probably loved it more than the book itself. Hate to review this one, especially when so many people enjoyed and loved it, but somehow I didn’t feel it. It's a story about two siblings, Maudy and Jake, who lost their dad two years before. While Jake is on the autism spectrum and their mum struggles with grief, Maudy tries to be the good daughter. However, their mother disappears and Jake is put into care (by their aunt, Eve). The story is told in dual pov, mostly Maudy’s and sometimes Jake’s. I loved being in Jake's head from time to time, because then I could feel exactly what Jake was feeling. However, I didn't like Maudy’s chapters. The writing in her chapters was really childish and didn't feel young adult. I personally didn’t love the storyline, but definitely read this if you want to read an honest story about grief and autism.
November 10, 2024
A fabulous dual POV book about grief, disability and family.
Maudie is trying to be the perfect daughter since the death of her father. Her mum is trying to put on a brave face and keep caring for Jake, who has learning difficulties and autism.
She gets overwhelmed one day and runs off, leaving Maudie with Jake and Eve her sister, who decides to put Jake into care.
Maudie doesn't like this and creates a plan to run away with Jake to try to force her mum to come home.
This was a tough book to read, I could see how things could go wrong and I was tense reading as I was seeing things unfold.
I loved the fact Jake got a voice in the dual POV and after reading the authors note, this felt very poignant.
I liked the message put across and seeing how people on the outside of things treated the family.
Maudie is trying to be the perfect daughter since the death of her father. Her mum is trying to put on a brave face and keep caring for Jake, who has learning difficulties and autism.
She gets overwhelmed one day and runs off, leaving Maudie with Jake and Eve her sister, who decides to put Jake into care.
Maudie doesn't like this and creates a plan to run away with Jake to try to force her mum to come home.
This was a tough book to read, I could see how things could go wrong and I was tense reading as I was seeing things unfold.
I loved the fact Jake got a voice in the dual POV and after reading the authors note, this felt very poignant.
I liked the message put across and seeing how people on the outside of things treated the family.
September 7, 2023
This is an eye-opening young adult (YA) read from Usborne. This story is told through brother and sister duo Maudie is 17 and Jake is 13. Jake has a disability and needs care and help all day every day and is mentally not his age. With the recent loss of their father in all the families' minds, their mother runs away and leaves these two alone. How long for? Why did she go? Where did she go? Maudie has to take charge and care for Maudie, but she has a plan to get her mum and her family back together, even if it involves kidnapping her brother. An emotional read in parts and raw. It shows how society treats those with disabilities differently. It does have a beautiful reunion and a happy ending, though. I really enjoyed reading this one. A well-deserved four stars from me.
February 15, 2024
What the World Doesn't See is a moving book examining the toll that grief takes on Maudie's family and the role that is forced upon her as her mother escapes her children.
Travelling with her brother Jake to bring her mother home, Darbon uses honest depictions of Jake's learning disability to shed light on an marginalised section of society. Maudie's honest reactions to her stressful predicament highlights the pressures put on families who care for neurodivergent family members. Full of compassion, adventure , love and loss this book is a treat for the reader and an important vehicle in raising awareness.
Travelling with her brother Jake to bring her mother home, Darbon uses honest depictions of Jake's learning disability to shed light on an marginalised section of society. Maudie's honest reactions to her stressful predicament highlights the pressures put on families who care for neurodivergent family members. Full of compassion, adventure , love and loss this book is a treat for the reader and an important vehicle in raising awareness.
March 8, 2023
I really loved this book. So much emotion within its pages.
I was lucky enough to get a copy for a book tour and I was worried as the book came the day before my date on the tour. I shouldn’t have been worried as I devoured this in a day.
A total page turner. I just loved Jake. Having someone with a disability so we’ll represented within a book is rare. To have their voice so prominent is amazing and really added depth and understanding to the story.
So emotional and touching. I loved every word. Easily a 5 star read.
I was lucky enough to get a copy for a book tour and I was worried as the book came the day before my date on the tour. I shouldn’t have been worried as I devoured this in a day.
A total page turner. I just loved Jake. Having someone with a disability so we’ll represented within a book is rare. To have their voice so prominent is amazing and really added depth and understanding to the story.
So emotional and touching. I loved every word. Easily a 5 star read.
March 15, 2023
A wonderful, heartbreaking, tender, hopeful story of grief, love, and acceptance. the World Doesn't See is all-consuming, with distinct voices that suck the reader into its vortex of emotion, grief, fear, and joy. Mel Darbon's characters are multi-dimensional and technicolor, so vivid they stay with you long, long after you finish reading the book. The story is gripping - I had to make myself slow down so that it lasted longer - and the emotional intelligence behind it all is extraordinary. If you read just one book this year, make it this one.
July 7, 2024
Loved this. I was put off to start because I felt like I’d read something similar before but it pulled me in pretty quick. It was easy to read as I’m an adult and not a teen but I was struck by the good nessages right from the start. Although the “can’t be perfect” main message was felt a little forced once and wasn’t profound for me I could see how this would be helpful for any teen. I felt so emotional and cried at the end and felt so happy about people with disabilities can be 110% loving and more empathetic that many of us who don’t have a disability.
March 11, 2023
Moving family based story with strong themes of loyalty, grief and neuro diversity. Audie’s love for her brother Jake, despite the difficulties of living with a family member with learning difficulties, is so strong and her endless patience with him is touching. Reading that the author had a brother now sadly passed away who had similar difficulties explained how she is able to write so empathetically about this family situation.
January 20, 2023
(Arc)
'What the World Doesn't See' is a book where its hard to get into from the start but the more you learn about the characters, the more you get into the story and you fall in love. Words cannot explain how necessary this story felt to me and the love Maudie has for Jake was strong throughout the whole story. This book is definitely a must read when it comes out.
'What the World Doesn't See' is a book where its hard to get into from the start but the more you learn about the characters, the more you get into the story and you fall in love. Words cannot explain how necessary this story felt to me and the love Maudie has for Jake was strong throughout the whole story. This book is definitely a must read when it comes out.
October 20, 2024
At first i wasnt sure if i liked this book. But while reading it i begon to like it more with every chapter, i loved Jake's pov and how he thought about things.
It also came realy close to home about the dad and what that does to a family. I could relate about alot in this book and it even got me teared up a couple of times.
The character building was so fun and amazing to read.
It also came realy close to home about the dad and what that does to a family. I could relate about alot in this book and it even got me teared up a couple of times.
The character building was so fun and amazing to read.
March 9, 2023
The perfect book. The characters are real and relatable, so engagable I felt invested in them and their story. I want Jake and Maudie in my life. Couldn't put it down, devoured it in an evening. Recommended reading for EVERYONE!
February 22, 2023
Really good on disability, autism and grief. Made me cry.
May 30, 2023
Beautifully and honestly written...loved it. The last few chapters I was a mess and then I read the Author's Note. 😭
June 2, 2023
Brilliant
June 4, 2023
What a beautiful story about how the world often treats people with special educational needs and disabilities. So well written that you feel the character emotions.
June 23, 2023
Very interesting book. Really enjoyed the book. It was really good, interesting characters xxx
November 14, 2023
give a strong pov of the character... the sibling love is crazy and it will definitely give you a totally different view of disabled people's daily life challenges
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