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laflormorada's review against another edition
3.0
16 year old Kitty is a working class girl in 1960's London who has resigned herself to a life of hiding from crowds and keeping up her father's shop in the East End. She has always known that she was different, but she struggles to maintain appearances to the contrary (doing crosswords and tapping her fingers can sometimes help to keep the world and its many noises at bay) But Kitty is also a keen observer and curious.. traits that won't keep her on the sidelines for long.
When she notices some odd behavior on the bus one day, she can't help but investigate. Noticing strange patterns has always come naturally to her. Before she knows it, she's caught up with some very dangerous people where her unique abilities just might come in handy. Kitty Granger, British spy? Crazier things have happened...
This was such a engaging story with just the right amount of action and intrigue. Kitty is described at the end of the book as being Autistic, but it's never referred to in the story because of the diagnosis not being common in the 60's. The behaviors that she exhibits, and tries to hide, turn out to be what makes her such an excellent spy! The story might be a bit far-fetched in some ways, but the positive representation of a neurodiverse teen protagonist is refreshing, and it's just pure fun to read. Recommended for middle schoolers and young teens.
When she notices some odd behavior on the bus one day, she can't help but investigate. Noticing strange patterns has always come naturally to her. Before she knows it, she's caught up with some very dangerous people where her unique abilities just might come in handy. Kitty Granger, British spy? Crazier things have happened...
This was such a engaging story with just the right amount of action and intrigue. Kitty is described at the end of the book as being Autistic, but it's never referred to in the story because of the diagnosis not being common in the 60's. The behaviors that she exhibits, and tries to hide, turn out to be what makes her such an excellent spy! The story might be a bit far-fetched in some ways, but the positive representation of a neurodiverse teen protagonist is refreshing, and it's just pure fun to read. Recommended for middle schoolers and young teens.
caylieratzlaff's review
3.0
ARC received courtesy of NetGalley.
I really really was looking forward to this. Historical fiction, protagonist that is neurodivergent, all of the things I LOVE plus set in Britain, but it fell flat. The plot was thought out, but the time jumps were too much, along with the pacing. The setting, characters, and everything else was well-developed, but it just felt rushed as we neared the climax and falling action of the story. I also think the resolution left much to be desired out of what I assume to be a standalone (correct me if I'm wrong).
Kitty, however, it a protagonist who is needed within YA literature by being autistic and demonstrating stimming and coping mechanisms throughout the book.
Also, I applaud the author for writing in an East End accent for Kitty.
I really really was looking forward to this. Historical fiction, protagonist that is neurodivergent, all of the things I LOVE plus set in Britain, but it fell flat. The plot was thought out, but the time jumps were too much, along with the pacing. The setting, characters, and everything else was well-developed, but it just felt rushed as we neared the climax and falling action of the story. I also think the resolution left much to be desired out of what I assume to be a standalone (correct me if I'm wrong).
Kitty, however, it a protagonist who is needed within YA literature by being autistic and demonstrating stimming and coping mechanisms throughout the book.
Also, I applaud the author for writing in an East End accent for Kitty.
tigeresseyes13's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
mordecai's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
dietcokette's review
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
kwurtzel3's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
whatjanereads's review
4.0
Actual rating: 3,5-4 stars
A spy novel that centers on an autistic teenage girl being recruited by the government? Yes yes, gimme!
This was a really fun and quick read! I flew through it. It was a gripping and interesting story with lots of action.
I really liked our main character Kitty, but also the side characters very much, especially cheerful Verity.
Most of all my favourite thing about this book was, that here was NO romance! None!
Just badass girls being badass, fighting rich racist men. The cast is super diverse and it discusses racism as a main topic without getting too much into detail.
The only thing that bothered me, is that everything came together a bit too easily. Kitty, a 16 year old girl, just battled everything without any incidents. She never slipped, she fought adult soldiers, rescued her friends and the whole country. It wasn’t very believable.
But still it was fun to read about her and I bet I would have enjoyed this even more if I was still in my teenage years.
I highly encourage to read reviews by autistic readers as well and to also read the authors note at the end of the book, because I’m definitely not in the position to say anything about the autism rep in this.
A spy novel that centers on an autistic teenage girl being recruited by the government? Yes yes, gimme!
This was a really fun and quick read! I flew through it. It was a gripping and interesting story with lots of action.
I really liked our main character Kitty, but also the side characters very much, especially cheerful Verity.
Most of all my favourite thing about this book was, that here was NO romance! None!
Just badass girls being badass, fighting rich racist men. The cast is super diverse and it discusses racism as a main topic without getting too much into detail.
The only thing that bothered me, is that everything came together a bit too easily. Kitty, a 16 year old girl, just battled everything without any incidents. She never slipped, she fought adult soldiers, rescued her friends and the whole country. It wasn’t very believable.
But still it was fun to read about her and I bet I would have enjoyed this even more if I was still in my teenage years.
I highly encourage to read reviews by autistic readers as well and to also read the authors note at the end of the book, because I’m definitely not in the position to say anything about the autism rep in this.
maidmarianlib's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Interesting autistic character, has some parts that strain reality.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder