Book Review: What Kitty Did

When I had first heard of this book title, I thought that the title is obviously a nod to What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge. Sure enough author Trisha Bora quotes from What Katy Did in the book. This is obviously a point in favor of the book. I can’t imagine anyone who read what Katy Did while growing up not to like it.

Kitty is a clichéd heroine of those romcoms we read and watch: clumsy, make fool of themselves when drunk, with shit job and clichéd shit life with a ‘scum’ ex and dysfunctional family. However, as a blessing, she does have two things: she is a fantastic baker and has three good even if eccentric friends who hang out together through thick and thin. Her job takes her to an opportunity where she gets to write a piece about recently demised celebrity actress, called Roxanne Merchant. :eye roll:

I am not sure whether this book belongs to a mystery or romance genre. Until the 80^th page, there is no sign of a mystery and until 120^th page there is no sign of any cause for any investigation either. Even when the hints are dropped in the book, it is so outlandish and puerile that you know right away you shouldn’t expect much by way of a mystery solving. Then, we come to the love interest of Kitty: an obviously dashing character with intellect and kindness is included, only you are not sure how they grow so close in span of four dates.  It felt too rushed and unrealistic. This romantic angle could be the weakest link of the book.

Book is quite quick-paced and easy to read. It is written in Kitty’s own voice. Only writing style reminds of writer’s diarrhea. There are too many verbose thoughts to read through. At times, trivia is doled out as if to show that writer is trying to show off her knowledge. It would have been okay if only one character did it as their USP, but couple of times even Kitty and her love interest seem to slip into the same mode.

So, should you read this book? I am ambiguous in my recommendation. If you are bored and are looking for a fast read for some fun and escapism, go ahead and read it. (I think I maybe partial because the book is set in Delhi) But, don’t expect anything meaningful by way of mystery or love, it isn’t meant to be that kind of book. It’s made more for one-time fun-ride.