A review by pkrawr
Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier

4.0

Compulsively readable story that stands way out of the pack, telling the story of a world-weary homeless orphan Kelpie living by her wits on the streets in 1930's Australia. She has both friends and enemies among the ghosts she sees, and it broke my heart to hear about the teacher who made a huge impact in instructing Kelpie and helping her keep her humanity, only to fade away. When Kelpie encounters Dymphnia, we get a perspective on a different kind of survival, one born of beauty and compromise. Both compelling characters sear their way into your mind as you follow them on the run from the murder of Dymphnia's latest paramour and the rival gangs of the Sydney slums. The only thing I would change is putting the glossary of terms at the beginning, since the use of unfamiliar words slightly distracts from the fast-paced action. But otherwise a compelling, wise, and heartbreaking read. Note: I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.