| By | Maureen Cullen |
| Published By | |
| ISBN | 9781917011013 |
| Fiction Genre | Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Coming of Age |
| Publication Date | 10/12/2024 |
| Price | 9.99 |
Synopsis
Kitten Heels is a moving coming-of-age story, set in 1960s Clydeside and told
from the perspective of Kathleen Gallagher — a witty, wise-beyond-her-years
thirteen-year-old from the fictional town of Havoc. With equal parts heart and
humour, Kitten Heels tackles issues of poverty, mental health, and the role of
women in a town ruled by shipyards and the Catholic Church.
The community Maureen Cullen creates here is very much one where the
women run things. They’re the organisers, the resourceful ones who keep
things on an even keel and mediate disputes. The fact that a patriarchal society
is weighted against them is the source of the anger that runs through the book,
offset by warmth and a huge amount of humour.
Authors Biography
Maureen Cullen is a retired social worker living in Argyll & Bute. After thirty
years’ commitment to social work, she turned to writing poetry and short
fiction, completing a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing from Lancaster
University in 2015 and achieving a distinction. Maureen has had poetry
published in multiple magazines and online webzines, and had a poetry
conversation written with Patricia M Osborne, Sherry and Sparkly, published
by the Hedgehog Press in 2021. She has been shortlisted in numerous short
story competitions, including the V.S. Pritchett Prize, the Fish Prize, and the
Bristol Prize. She also won the Labello Prize for short fiction in 2014, and the
Ringwood Short Story competition in 2022.
Reviews
Kitten Heels has been called an “a accomplished first novel imbued with all
the immediacy of a memoir, Full of well-observed detail and resonant
emotional touches.” (The Herald),
and “Funny, frank and moving. We need more books like this” (Paul McVeigh,
author of The Good Son).
Lots of fun.
My favourite book I’ve read this year! Highly recommend.
Really well written and enjoyable novel.
I loved this book. It’s a real page turner. Loved following Kathleen and I loved the Scottish dialect. This book definitely deserves to win.
Kitten Heels is a beautifully paced novel with engaging characters: the writing is clear and the dialect added much by way of characterisation, and I was able to identify and empathise with Kathleen especially, although even the minor characters were sharply observed and clearly drawn. A delightful read.
Kitten Heels is a beautifully paced novel with engaging characters: the writing is clear and the dialect added much by way of characterisation, and I was able to identify and empathise with Kathleen especially, although even the minor characters were sharply observed and clearly drawn. A delightful read.
Great characterisation and humour. A moving story very well written.
Brilliantly crafted coming of age narrative. Well rounded characters. Evocative and accomplished use of Scots. Authentic in plot and design. Highly recommended.
This book made me laugh out loud and also made me cry!!! The characters are so very real. It took me all the way back to growing into my own kitten heels – brilliant!!
Wonderfully drawn characters with totally credible narrative.
Warm and witty.
Super story reflecting the life at that period. Written with humour and sensitivity
….
Excellent read!
Great book would definitely recommend it to everyone as it’s just typical everyday things that happen in life , lots of funny moments and plenty of old day slang
Brilliant written book! Loved it
a very enjoyable read.
Fantastic read!
Terrific read transported me back in time
Brilliant read. Loved it.
Well drawn characters, plenty of humour, and lovely characterisation: a joy to read.
Kitten Heels had me hooked from the beginning. An authentic, engaging book with good characterisation, believable dialogue and sensitive use of humour. It made me laugh and care. Highly recommended.