Plain Kate

Plain Kate Erin Bow

Plain Kate is a wood carver of extraordinary skill. After her father dies, a witch-white man comes to town and wants Kate's shadow. Kate knows it's not a thing to be given up, but times are tough and the fear of witches is on the rise. The witch-white man knows magic and knows how to make Kate look like she is what the townspeople fear the most.

In the end, it's an offer she can't refuse. As her shadow grows weaker, Kate flees and joins with a band of Roamers. Meanwhile, times are getting harder, the rain won't stop, and a mysterious sickness is taking over the land. As events unfold, even Kate's new friends can't trust her and she's on her own again, needing to regain her shadow and the stop the witch-white man.

I picked this up after so many people raved about it. Oh! So good! I loved Kate's story, her determination, and her refusal to give up. How much did I love this story? IT HAD A TALKING CAT. Talking animals are usually a death sentence for me liking a book. NO TALKING ANIMALS. But not only did I not mind, but Taggle was wonderful. I LIKED A TALKING CAT. That should tell you something right there.

Now, I am by no means an expert on Slavic culture, so I can't comment if they were done well, but I did love the Slavic influences on this story, both in location but also elements from folklore, like rusalka.

It's atmospheric and spooky, but heartwarming and brave and just... oh.

I can't really be more coherant than: Gush gush gush love love love.

Book Provided by... my local library

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