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A review by lilifane
Who Is Vera Kelly? by Rosalie Knecht
adventurous
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well, that was unexpected.
I had no idea what this book is about when I started reading it and was pleasantly surprised.
The protagonist is a spy on assignment in Argentina, 1966. In alternating chapters, we learn about her activities in Buenos Aires as well as her youth in the USA.
At first, I wasn't very interested in the political aspects of Argentina's history, so in the first half of the book I preferred the chapters from Vera's past/youth. But around the halfway point things escalated quickly, and I was totally captivated. The tension and atmosphere of the Argentine Revolution was palpable. And now I want to learn more about it.
I liked that it wasn't an action-packed spy story, but felt like a more realistic approach to the genre, with quiet, boring, nerve-wrecking moments. We spend a lot of time in Vera's head, feel her fears, uncertainties and desperation as a woman, alone in a foreign country during turbulent times. Also: lesbian representation.
I will definitely read the other books in the series because I need to know what Vera does next.
I had no idea what this book is about when I started reading it and was pleasantly surprised.
The protagonist is a spy on assignment in Argentina, 1966. In alternating chapters, we learn about her activities in Buenos Aires as well as her youth in the USA.
At first, I wasn't very interested in the political aspects of Argentina's history, so in the first half of the book I preferred the chapters from Vera's past/youth. But around the halfway point things escalated quickly, and I was totally captivated. The tension and atmosphere of the Argentine Revolution was palpable. And now I want to learn more about it.
I liked that it wasn't an action-packed spy story, but felt like a more realistic approach to the genre, with quiet, boring, nerve-wrecking moments. We spend a lot of time in Vera's head, feel her fears, uncertainties and desperation as a woman, alone in a foreign country during turbulent times. Also: lesbian representation.
I will definitely read the other books in the series because I need to know what Vera does next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Lesbophobia, and War