Kit by Marina Fiorato [Book Review]

[I was very kindly sent this book by Hodder & Stoughton in return for an honest review, thank you!]

Historial fiction is not a genre that I read often. I usually mix my history with the element of fantasy so that the everyday world can become extraordinary. So when I was offered Marina Fiorato's newest novel, Kit, for review, I was slightly unsure. What was historical fiction exactly? Was it like a non-fiction book at the Library with a hint of elaboration? The premise seemed interesting enough - a young woman, Kit Kavanagh - joins the army and pretends to be a man, all so she can find her husband Richard, who was whisked away to enlist at a moment's notice.

So I started it. Kit's feelings as Richard was ripped away from her, and the general shock that all women must have felt during times of war was really powerful. Fiorato wrote the emotions of all the characters especially well, even those of the hard to understand so called 'evil' characters. A motive and a meaning lay behind every character, it was almost as if watching a playthrough of several life stories, though through the eyes of a distraught wife.

Kit is an outstanding protagonist. Throughout the novel, she grows in strength, wisdom and courage, and what you believe to be a simple love story becomes a tale of incredible character growth, sacrifice and more importantly, a tale of a journey.

Kit's journey is incredible, and with elements of real history wound into it, Fiorato has created a story that is not only compelling but also is a prime source of raw emotion, engaging plot twists and a fierce heroine. I can't wait to read more of Fiorato's work.

5 Stars!