Kate Tattersall Adventures in China

by R.S. Fleming

In Victorian England, fifteen-year-old Kate’s dreams of a life of adventure have, so far, only led her as far as her brother Jack’s workshop, where she tests his inventions. But when Jack arranges a trip for Kate to China, she discovers that Jack is not just a hobbyist; his creations are used by the British Secret Service, and now Jack expects Kate to deliver an important item to the brilliant teenage doctor Henry Tattersall. Kate’s seemingly simple trip turns into adventure when Tattersall falls ill, and Kate ends up facing off against opium traders in Canton.

Genres: Historical Fiction

140 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Judith Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Fleming has done an amazing job of capturing the details of life in the 1840's. He makes the period come alive in a vivid depiction of dress, manners, speech and ambiance.
His heroine, Kate, is a compelling character, restricted by her society, family and peers, yet seeking to break out in new directions and adventures.
This is a story worth following.

[The Villan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for a young reader with detailed information about the period woven into the story. A good introductory novel by this new author.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was only a slim volume, so I couldn't hope for a novel, but it was such a gripping yarn that I wanted it to go on longer. I do, however, have some gripes, which is why I only gave it 3/5. I don't like it if a British or Australian writer sets a story in America and then has the "American" characters using expressions never used in that country. I therefore get quite irritated at a Canadian author putting apparently American phrases in the mouth of upper class English characters. I was hit by it right on Page 1: "It has been delightful visiting with your husband, and to be in the presence of such accomplished young ladies." I know that in parts of it the southern USA, "visit with someone" means "have a chat with someone". Outside N. America, you can say "He visited the neighbours (or the Tower of London) with your husband", but without an object, it has no meaning. I have no idea what it means in Canada. I was going to list all the non-English expressions, but there are too many. They didn't totally destroy the experience, but they did detract from my enjoyment.
I forgot: in business talk we do use "meet with" in the sense of "hold (an official) meeting with" — "the CEO will meet with the union reps at 10 to tell them who is going to be laid off."