Scan barcode
A review by katieejayne
The Disgrace of Kitty Grey by Mary Hooper
3.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it felt very young although marriage was spoken of frequently. I've had this book on my TBR for years and had I read this a few years ago I think I would've enjoyed this more. I've read two others of Mary Hooper's books; Fallen Grace and Velvet both of which I recall really loving when I read them.
At the same time, I can recognise how much The Disgrace of Kitty Grey could be loved by a younger reader. The writing is engaging and gives you a clear sense of both the world and time the characters are in. I'm slowly becoming more interested in the historical fiction genre and therefore was very intrigued in the situations Kitty found herself in. Having read Moll Flanders for my degree I felt like Kitty was a similar character. Whilst she was by no means a criminal through a series of unfortunate circumstances she found herself at the mercy of the law. Time and time again she tried to do the best for herself and the child in her charge but it went pear-shaped.
I will admit I did get thoroughly invested in each of the characters' stories. Whilst the novel focuses on Kitty and her love interest all these side characters have romances of their own or problems that need solving. Mary Hooper writes each character in a way that you want them to do well, you want them to achieve their dreams.
The ending of this book was possibly my favourite part. It fit perfectly and just felt right. It wasn't farfetched but instead produced some wonderful twists in what had been quite a harrowing tale.
Nearly twenty-four year old me enjoyed this, I think sixteen year old me would've loved this.
At the same time, I can recognise how much The Disgrace of Kitty Grey could be loved by a younger reader. The writing is engaging and gives you a clear sense of both the world and time the characters are in. I'm slowly becoming more interested in the historical fiction genre and therefore was very intrigued in the situations Kitty found herself in. Having read Moll Flanders for my degree I felt like Kitty was a similar character. Whilst she was by no means a criminal through a series of unfortunate circumstances she found herself at the mercy of the law. Time and time again she tried to do the best for herself and the child in her charge but it went pear-shaped.
I will admit I did get thoroughly invested in each of the characters' stories. Whilst the novel focuses on Kitty and her love interest all these side characters have romances of their own or problems that need solving. Mary Hooper writes each character in a way that you want them to do well, you want them to achieve their dreams.
The ending of this book was possibly my favourite part. It fit perfectly and just felt right. It wasn't farfetched but instead produced some wonderful twists in what had been quite a harrowing tale.
Nearly twenty-four year old me enjoyed this, I think sixteen year old me would've loved this.