Author: Judy Blundell
Format: paperback
Pages: 368
Genre: Historical, YA
Published: 5th May 2011 (Scholastic)
Kit Corrigan has always dreamed of being a star. But in order to get there, she needs to break up with Billy, who's going to Korea, and leave her family in Providence, Rhode Island, to move to New York City. There, she finds small roles and a city that's tough to live in.After she meets with Billy's father, Nate, things get a little easier. But Nate is a lawyer who defends mobsters, and soon Kit realizes that she has to do what he asks of her. Kit's life starts to feel beyond her control, especially once she uncovers a mystery that she needs to solve in order to protect the people she loves.
Set in the post-war America in the 1950's, with the glitz and glamour of gangsters and nightclub showgirls - as well as the seedy, less moral side. the story revolves largely around the relationship between Kit and Billy. The young couple have had their issues, with Billy joining the army and Kit leaving their small hometown to try and make it in New York. Help comes her way in the form of Billy's father ... but there's a price to pay.
The characters are well developed and believable. The writing is good, with enough detail to set each scene without being too much. It's clear that the author has researched the time period well, which comes across in the writing. The story jumps back and forth between different years, combining Kit's 'present day' with what had happened in the past as well as switching between places. This was easy enough to keep track of though as each chapter is clearly marked with where and when it is.
Overall, Strings Attached is an enjoyable read with twists and turns along the way to keep it interesting.
