Title: The Book of Guilt
Author: Catherine Chidgey
Genre: historical fiction, fantasy
Rating: 3 out of 5
After a very different outcome to WWII than the one history recorded, 1979 England is a country ruled by a government whose aims have sinister underpinnings and alliances. In the Hampshire countryside, 13-year-old triplets Vincent, Lawrence and William are the last remaining residents at the Captain Scott Home for Boys, where every day they must take medicine to protect themselves from a mysterious illness to which many of their friends have succumbed. The lucky ones who recover are allowed to move to Margate, a seaside resort of mythical proportions.
In nearby Exeter, 13-year-old Nancy lives a secluded life with her parents, who dote on her but never let her leave the house. As the triplets’ lives begin to intersect with Nancy’s, bringing to light a horrifying truth about their origins and their likely fate, the children must unite to escape – and survive.
I found this book to be really messed up, frankly. The premise itself, once I finally figure out what was going on, was so horrible and sad, but the people’s reactions to what was going on were worse. I didn’t find any of the characters likable, and the narrative felt pretty monotonous, which actually makes sense given what the premise was. I basically kept reading to find out what the deal was with the boys, not because I actually cared about what was going to happen.
Catherine Chidgey lives in Cambridge. The Book of Guilt is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Grand Central Publishing | Cardinal in exchange for an honest review.)
Tomorrow Is Another Day 