Published by Neem Tree Press Genres: coming of age, Historical Fiction, War
Format: Paperback
Gripping, thought provoking, moving and hard to put down, Kate Wiseman delivered a thrilling read with The Red Tunic! I was instantly swept into the world of Nina and Alfie, their close and loving bond, and their coming-of-age story. The book begins with them as children, exploring the world around them, exploring gender roles, struggling with expectations, all while losing their mother. As they grow, they go through many changes but what does not change is their unwavering love for each other and the supportive, strong, and caring women in their lives.
World War 1 is on the horizon and when Alfie is called to go fight on the front lines, Nina makes a decision which will alter both of their lives! Nina and Alfie have always been different. Alfie is caring and gentle. Nina is headstrong and courageous. Their entire lives they have felt the weight of both societies and their father’s expectations upon them. Now, they have an opportunity to make their own way.
Again, I loved the relationship between Nina and Alfie. I also loved their brave and outspoken aunt and their loving and supportive housekeeper/nanny. The relationships in this book shined for me as did Nina and Alfie. I was rooting for them the entire book. I felt many emotions while reading ranging from happiness, to concern, to heartbreak, to hope, and then some.
I admired both of them for being themselves and living their lives on their own terms. It was refreshing and lovely to see. I also enjoyed the pacing of this book and the tension and feeling of dread which seeped through the pages during the sections on the war and the character’s experiences there.
This book is less than 300 pages but packs a punch. Once I started reading, I did not want to stop. This book touches on war, gender, gender roles, identity, family, relationships, and love. I found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished the last page.
Thank you to Kate Wiseman, Davie at The Write Reads, and Neem Tree Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
