Welcome to Litsy!

A delightful surprise of a historical fiction novel. We meet 14 year old vagabond Tibb as she finds herself alone in a hostile England in the 1500s. I fully loved the cast of characters - “one patchwork man … one dark and good-to-look-at baker … one handsome vicar, one haystack-wielding Flemish woman, a tall and thin juggler named John and a false angel” - and the story is both incredibly dark, moving and funny all at the same time.

A great read.

In the early 1500s, Tibb becomes an orphan and makes some new friends. In order to get the life they want Tibb comes up with a little trickerie that completely takes on a life of its own

A book about being accepted as who you are, homophobia, the power of the church and friendship

Ma had said she would give the cordwainer man a baby - the thing he could not get from his dull-as-ditchwater wife - and we would get a roof in return.

#FirstLineFridays

Tibb Ingleby! This is a naughty, warm-hearted, angry-in-the-right-places book about found family and also has the strongest narrative voice I've encountered in some while. I am well satisfied! ☺️

I tried, but this one is not for me. I don‘t like the writing or the voice and based on other reviews, it doesn‘t look like those will change, so I‘m out. #WP25 longlist

One of the most distinctive character voices I have come across. Tibb Ingleby carries this novel on her tiny, pale shoulders. There are some pacing issues, and the plot goes a bit wild. I was in distress for most of the last third 😂 I think this should have been shortlisted, for Tibb, for making the Tudor era come alive, for addressing topics that I shall not reveal here. While not perfect, this is a really strong debut!
#WomensPrize

This was my most anticipated book of the #WP25 longlist, and once I got used to the writing I enjoyed it. I did think it went a bit long at the end, I started to struggle picking it up and it took me longer to finish then I would have thought, but overall I thought it was original, creative and a good read. I found the characters endearing (though Tibb needed some therapy, hearing how she blamed herself over and over was a bit wearing)
4/5

Very unlike me to be reading something off a prize long list but when i heard it was set in Tudor times I was drawn in. I absolutely loved these characters. Tibb is amazing, foul mouthed and free spirited with uncanny insight. The first few pages of this novel are possibly the strongest and most captivating start to a novel that i have read in a long time. I do have a quibble - i felt the “adventure story” aspect ⬇️

Catching up with reviews so apologies in advance! 🤪

Book 7 #wpf25

I loved this, having not expected to, not being a huge fan of ‘Tudor‘ HF. That‘s all down to the MC, Tibb, who is innocent but wise and has the pottiest mouth.

This deceptively simple story covers all sorts of areas - queer love, religion, prejudice, grief and found family.

Definitely on my shortlist!

Maria says, 'Well they were murdered in cold blood by somebody. I think we are joined in this country by pure evil, my friend' ....

Signor stops itching a moment and snaps, 'Ladies! Would you speak of those things which you understand, and leave the rest to us?'

Maria is puffing out her cheeks and I wonder if she might open her mouth and belch real fire.

Currently reading #WomensPrizeLL25