The Rebirth of Henry Whittle by Gertrude T. Kitty

A story of deception, betrayal, and the desperate leaps of faith we go to for some sense of home, The Rebirth of Henry Whittle is a nail-biting novel from author Gertrude T. Kitty.

Navigating her lifelong trauma of isolation and abandonment, Phoenix Whittle takes a chance on stability by reconnecting with a mysterious uncle. Little does she know that her real uncle is long gone, replaced by a clever con, but that doesn’t mean their bond is any less interesting to watch as it develops.

Boasting a complex blend of heavy themes, ranging from mental health and bullying to dark psychological desires and sexual trauma, the author weaves intense storylines through casual everyday scenes and conversation. Artfully unspooling this novel from multiple points of view, the tension keeps readers keep turning pages, as we always seem to know a bit more than the protagonists. The language itself is highly colloquial, not only in the patterns of dialogue, but also in the slang terms and stylized accents of the narration. With pop culture references aplenty and a decidedly English edge to all the quick-witted banter, the novel is immersive and convincingly told.

While the leaps in narration make for a comprehensive view of the story, some of the interjections and interrupting perspective shifts are distracting, and the speaker isn’t always made obvious. There is also a lack of descriptive imagery and emotional exploration, though the interactions between the author’s well-developed characters are strong enough to carry the plot clearly. In terms of a target audience, there are some graphic and explicit scenes, as well as hard, rough language, so while the story feels like a YA thriller at times, it may be more appropriate for an adult audience.

As a whole, The Rebirth of Henry Whittle is a multi-faceted and thought-provoking puzzle, closing with a satisfying twist that will leave readers eager for Gertrude T. Kitty’s next offering.