Urchin

by Kate Story

They say Dor's family is cursed. The house her great-great grandfather built on the south side of St. John's has never been at peace; the old people think it lies on a fairy path. Ever since electricity came to the island, things have worsened, and experiments in the brand-new technology of radio put her family in real peril. In December 1901, Marconi arrives in Newfoundland with a secret mission: to receive the first wireless trans-Atlantic radio signal. Disguised as a boy, Dor joins his team. Then the Little Strangers kidnap her mother. Must Dor sabotage Marconi's experiments to save her?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

286 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2021

Reviews

[Karan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many words I'd not heard of! Great story, and a real way with words.

[Zahndra Butt · Rating 4 out of 5]

So different from anything I've read before, but very interesting and a special story that's close to home.

[Alexia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really beautifully written. Reminds me a lot of “A Very Fine Line” which was a book i loved when i was maybe 10

[Holly Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept with a lot of potential.
Too many tangents in the plot to make anything really feel significant to me.

[Lana Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, loved it, loved it. Living across the harbour where this takes place was part of the charm, but honestly, I just want more.

[Raymond-Felix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me way longer to finish this book than I would have liked. I found the beginning to be a little bit slow and it took about 100 pages for the story to really pick up, but after that I found myself struggling to pit the book down. I wasn’t expecting the fantastical element but I thought it really added some needed stakes to the story—and the Reverend quickly became my favourite character. Dor’s exploration of gender identity and expression reminded me of my own when I was their age and I’m glad to see a novel with a realistic queer protagonist that isn’t just trying to pander to the mainstream media’s idea of what queer looks like. I especially liked the prologue and epilogue and how they tied into the main plot of the book. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a heartwrenching—but also heartwarming—queer coming-of-age story.

[Devoney Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had this book as a teenager. There are so many beautiful and relatable elements wrapped in it. There are so many instances where my heart breaks for Dor but the story is so beautifully told that I didn't stay hung up on it for long. It is super fun knowing all the streets and places that are mentioned and the folklore and culture ever-present pulling you through the book. I like that we get to stop and think about the effects of technology on the world around us here.

On a personal note, I just relate so much to Dor and because of this, Urchin has earned a permanent place in my heart.

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story! Definitely a book that has more meaning and humour if you know St. John’s and Newfoundland history and culture. Being from Newfoundland myself this book really brings together St. John’s history with folklore that has existed here for generations. Such a beautiful journey of self discovery, generational healing and love. Well done! It truly had me laughing out loud most of the way through.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its just not my type of book honestly.
It was overly descriptive where id rather it be to the point.
It starts slow and continues that way thought the entire book. Also fairies and tech just dont go together for me. It just makes no sense and the magical aspect of even the character makes no sense to me and never was explained.
sry for the bad review but its just not my style

[Lois Tuffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate creates characters and scenes that are so vibrant that they linger with you long after you finish the story. She embraces family dynamics, gender, fairies and culture with a graceful mix of storytelling. This book expanded my vocabulary by introducing me to some fabulous Newfoundland words that reflect the island's unique nature. I look forward to Kate's next book!

[Алёна Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful blend of history and fantasy. An outstanding choice of historical references and use of vernacular. Dor is a delightful urchin. I hope that this book gets into the hands of young readers that can relate to Dor and find strength in their story.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. It was great !