Kate Wiseman – The Red Tunic

Thanks to The Write Reads and Neem Tree Press for my gifted book to join the blog tour with my honest review.

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History and gender are intertwined in this fast-paced arresting account of the First World War and its devastating impact on familial and romantic bonds.

As headstrong as her twin is gentle, Nina has never fit the womanly mould society expects of her. Alfie and Nina Mullins have always relied on their shared world of hope and make-believe for comfort, but as the pressure on Alfie to prove himself at the Front mounts, Nina is presented with more possibility than she had ever imagined and the two are pushed in wildly different directions.

Coming of age as the First World War breaks out, the Mullins twins’ fates are inextricably interlinked with the turmoil of conflict in this fascinating exploration of gender roles and the extremes to which war pushes us.

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My Review

The Red Tunic is a story set in WW1. Historical fiction is intertwined with the emotional tale of twins Nina and Alfie. Both want things that aren’t the norm of these times, and it makes for a powerful and immersive read.

Nina has a spirit that yearns for the battlefield, while Alfie is the gentle counterpart who wishes to nurse. They make the decision to swop roles, which, for the time, was outragous but definitely showed how courageous they both were.

The fact that this brings the question of gender identity into the novel made me pretty emotional. I took this story to heart because my youngest son is transgender and The Red Tunic hit home in so many ways. I have had to wait to write my review because I needed a little distance also.

Kate Wiseman has created Nina and Alfie so well. The fact that I invested in both characters made me feel everything they did. The danger, the subterfuge, especially for Alfie it made me scared for them. Every single moment feels tense and important, like it could be the last. I felt like I was on a precipice at times.

Such an eloquently written book. Delving into gender identity, family, and war, too. The topic of gender identity is so important in the present day, and one a lot of people are worried about writing or speaking about to this day. I will never forget this book. It feels like it’s etched into my soul. I personally think this is a brilliant read for anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204929270-the-red-tunic

Author Bio

Kate was a late developer, attending university to study English and Creative Writing in her late 30s. She was one of the real life ‘Ritas’ featured on the Radio 4 Woman’s Hour Programme commemorating the anniversary of the play, Educating Rita. Kate is a dedicated and licenced mudlark who is never happier than when she is up to her eyes in mud. She has won several literary awards and this year judged the historical fiction and biography category of the prestigious Eyelands International Book Awards.