*I am reviewing these books which I was gifted for free by Barrington Stoke in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. *
Title: One ShotAuthor: Tayna Landman
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Source: From Publisher
Rating: 4/5 stars
Book Summary:
A powerful and deeply moving coming-of-age drama from Carnegie Medal-winning author Tanya Landman, inspired by the life of infamous sharpshooter Annie Oakley.
After the death of her beloved father, Maggie and her family are thrown into a life of destitution. With little income and no way to live off their poor land, Maggie tries to provide for her family the way her father always had – with his hunting rifle and whatever animals the forest would provide. But when her mother is confronted with her 'unladylike' behaviour, she abandons Maggie to a life of unthinkable cruelty and abuse. With no one to care for her and only the hope of escape, all Maggie can do is survive.
A profoundly intimate and masterful reimagining of one woman’s fight for survival.
Book Review:
When I discovered that One Shot was available to review I was really excited because I had never read a story like this and based around this before and wanted to see what I thought. For such a short book it really packs a punch and I had a great time reading it.
Even though I read an early copy before I get into the actual review can we just talk about that cover? I mean even though the plot definitely sounded interesting to me I was really attracted to just how gorgeous the cover is. It is definitely a must for your bookshelves, literally for you to look at but also because it's a really great book!
I think that one of the reasons that I loved the book was the centre on Annie Oakley. Although not the full true story of Annie Oakley, I do think that the way that the book handles her life is done great and goes against the grain of how women lived in the past. As someone who also doesn't read historical fiction, it gripped me and entertained me so much for such a short book. I mean she literally goes against her family to be the person that she wants to be which in itself is quite special and powerful to write about and explore.
The way that her family was also dealt with was something that I liked too. I mean her family especially her Mum is not the best in the world but I liked the exploration with her Dad and going back to the past. I think it is also interesting when a character has this connection to a family member who is no longer there as it provides so much growth for the character. The relationship between her and her father was very powerful and a message that was carried through the story.
One Shot made me captivated and engaged throughout and made me want to find out more about Annie Oakley which is always a good thing. It also left on an open ending which I enjoyed and made me interested to know more.
The Verdict:
One Shot is a powerful and punchy read that leaves a lasting impact for anyone who wants to read it.
Have you read One Shot? Do you want to? Did you like it? Tell me in the comments!
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