Book Review:: Greenwich | Kate Broad

Greenwich is a bit of an odd book that isn’t easy to slot into conventional genre conventions. As a millennial, it’s hard for me to call this historical fiction, as it takes place in 1999, but take that as you will. There is a heavy dose of suspense, as we know the summer ends in tragedy from the beginning with no idea of what it might be. But more than anything, this is a coming-of-age story.

It’s a difficult time for Rachel, and for the summer her parents ship her off to live with her aunt, uncle, and 3-year-old cousin in Greenwich. She’s not a babysitter, but she’s also not not a babysitter (even though they technically have one of those, too). Their posh lifestyle is a bit of a shock to Rachel’s system, and she’s left feeling like she doesn’t exactly fit anywhere, an echo of her problems back home. She’s also exposed to new things there that pique her curiosity.

I felt a little unsettled reading this book. The focus was unsure, the pacing was quite slow and exploratory, and it didn’t end when I expected it to. It stretched on quite a bit longer than I’d have guessed, in fact. I’m not sure how Kate Broad evoked that same feeling that lived inside Rachel that summer as a reader in this story, but actually it’s quite brilliant in retrospect.

A lot of this story is very dark. It’s not something to read to feel good or when you need a pick-me-up. There are drugs, pornography, allusions to illegal practices…it’s also a reminder that young folk (it feels strange calling an 18 year old a kid) notice everything, and are constantly forming their opinions about things they’re exposed to.

The feeling of suspense was quite high as I read. Knowing that something big was coming, something that would change everything, was always in the back of my mind, and not knowing what it might be had my mind on over-drive through everything.

My instincts tell me to rate this at three stars because that suspenseful feeling wasn’t very comfy and that’s not exactly my taste, but I recognize the brilliance of this novel, and kudos where kudos are due.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Greenwich
Author:: Kate Broad
Genre:: Historical(ish) Suspense
Publisher:: St. Martin’s Press
Length:: 304 pages
Published:: July 22nd, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 4-Stars