Kaitlyn

by Kevin Lewis

The Wilson family was torn apart the night little Christopher was almost killed . . . Though the two year-old survives the brutal attack by his drunken father, his older sister Kaitlyn is convinced it's all her fault. Christopher is taken into care and never returns to the family home on the notorious Roxford estate in South London. But the bond between the siblings remains strong, and as Kaitlyn gets older she dreams of a new life away from the violence of the estate and her mother's dangerous addictions. But most of all, she dreams of being reunited with her little brother. Will Kaitlyn's dreams ever come true? And if they do, could they really turn into a nightmare? Kaitlyn is the heart-rending story of a family ripped apart by tragedy and reunited by a twist of fate that threatens to destroy all their lives and of a girl who has to choose between everything she has worked for, and the only family she has ever known.

Genres: Fiction, Crime

499 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Born in 1970 in Southeast London, Kevin's childhood years were spent in the city's rough council estates. The violent and depraved conditions that Kevin lived in are documented in his autobiographical books The Kid and The Kid Moves On. Today Kevin combines his creative skill with his knowledge of the inner cities to write novels with gritty realism. Kevin currently lives in Surrey with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Redfox5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in two minds about this book. On one hand I really enjoyed the story, I couldn't put it down. I only started it yesterday and I'm done already. But on the other hands I found the characters really hard to like. There were times when I did like Kaitlyn but then I would remember she was a pretty hardcore criminal and loads of people would have been affected by the drugs trade. I thought Christopher was doing so well and I was so disappointed in him in the end. I hated the ending. Despite it's flaws I'd still recommend it to anyone. I'd be intrested in reading more of Kevin's books.

[Michelle Strickett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, didn't want it to end. Was surprised at how much the character Kaitlyn had changed considering her upbringing and how she come to lose her mother. Lots of unexpected twists and I read the book in anticipation for what was coming next. As it came to the end, you couldn't help but wonder if there would be some kind of follow up book to enlist what her brothers next step in life may be......

[Theweebarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book i have read other non fiction books by Kevin Lewis but this was the first novel and couldn't put it down

[Leo Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping from start to finish couldn't put the book down

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent storyline. Even though in my opinion it is a similar style and hard story like a Martina Cole novel, but this one stands alone and I found it very gripping.

[Chrissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a brillantly written novel by Kevin Lewis, particularly because it felt so real. Probably down to the his experiences. Tough to read in parts, it confronts some values the reader has. Although, in my opinion, it did get slightly off track towards the middle, it was still a compelling read, couldn't put it down!

[The Reading Panda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Christopher was great, and I really loved him as a character. I greatly empathized with Kaitlyn.She had a difficult upbringing and resorted to any means necessary to make a life. Even though her activities were questionable, I cannot judge because who's to say I would have turned out differently if I were in her place? I could not stop reading it.

[Savneek · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a beautifully written book. The plot was intricately woven and incredibly well thought out. The writing was really good. The book was hard to put down. The ending was too abrupt though. It left a couple of questions, left to the reader’s imagination. It was an awesome read. 13/10. Would recommend a read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A two year old survives a brutal attack by his father and is then put up for adoption. This is a story of how the affects of one person ruins three lives. I enjoyed the read, but made me wonder if we are who we are through nature rather than nurture.

[Marzena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very emotional, moving and at the same time thrilling and exciting story, hard to ignore or put down. The protagonist is realistic, likeable girl who despite her occupation doesn't lose her heart and affection to her brother.

[Britta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so much better than expected when I started!
Suspense, drama, love, hate, tragedy and trauma.
This book has it all.

The story itself was gripping and the ending left me overwhelmed.

Wonderfully written and reads heavenly.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and it was very hard to put down. The only let down for me was that some of the events that take place throughout the book become a little bit unbelievable.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves Martina Cole books

[Caz Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing last few pages at the end of an otherwise very good book.

[Claire Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

[Beth (bibliobeth)]

Was pleasantly surprised by this book, never judge a book by it's cover! Excellent first novel by kevin lewis, the fact that it was drawn from his own experiences made it even better.

[Alison Gray]

Excellent

[Ayesha_r_240525 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was my first novel I've read ....

[Sharon Gair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gritty story which kept me hooked till the end.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any fans of Martina Cole should enjoy this book. It grabs your attention from beginning to end and tugs on the heart strings on occasion. An enjoyable read.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, could have had a more comprehensive ending though.

[Debbie Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin Lewis has written a very good book here, I couldn't put it down!

[Teresa Oreilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I gave this book a five star rating because it is worthy of it. A brilliant read from start to finish. Fans of Martina Cole you must read this.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how he shows us how social and your environment can impact your life and also that circumstances really do matter.

[Alison Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great read!! gripping from the very start and kept you hooked to the very end-loved it

[Sandra Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read from start to finish

[Lesley Halliday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very very similar to martina Cole. Enjoyed it but wasn’t gripped.

[Carol Barron]

another brill book couldnt put it down

[Pol · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed reading this book

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Kaitlyn" by Kevin Lewis is a compelling read that masterfully blends suspense, emotion, and character development. The story follows Kaitlyn, a young woman with a troubled past, as she navigates the complexities of her life and uncovers hidden truths about herself and her family.

Lewis's writing is engaging and vivid, making it easy to get lost in Kaitlyn's world. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique struggles and growth throughout the novel. The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats without feeling overwhelmed.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of themes such as resilience, identity, and the impact of the past on the present. Lewis handles these themes with sensitivity and depth, making the story not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

While the book is a fantastic read overall, there are moments where the pacing slows down a bit, and some plot points feel slightly predictable. However, these minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.

"Kaitlyn" is a powerful and moving novel that will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page. It's a must-read for fans of emotional and suspenseful fiction.