Review: Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier

Title: Razorhurst

Author: Justine Larbalestier

Published by: Soho Teen

Released: 2015

Source: Library

Summary: 1930's Australia, where the Razor Gangs run rampant through the streets. Since guns have been outlawed, crooks have taken to carrying razor blades and using them with deadly accuracy. The lucky ones wind up with scars on their faces, the unlucky wind up dead.

Kelpie has been living on the streets of Frog Hollow for most of her life. Everyday is a struggle to find food and survive. Kelpie also has the rare ability to talk to ghosts. Ghosts have helped her survive on the street, led her to food, and even taught her how to read. Ghosts are not always helpful though, sometimes they lie just to get you into trouble. That's what happens this day, when Tommy the Ghost tells Kelpie there might be apples to be had in a boardinghouse frequented by criminals. Instead of apples, she finds the dead body of Jimmy Palmer, sliced to ribbons by someone's razor. Kelpie also meets Dymphna Campbell, the Angel of Death herself. Dymphna's men have the unlucky habit of dying, and Jimmy Palmer has just become the latest victim.

So beings the longest day of running from cops, running from crime boss Mr. Davidson, and deciding if they can trust rival crime boss Glorianna Nelsen. Razorhurst is a dangerous place, but its the place Kelpie has always known.

A novel rife with the interesting and dangerous history of a place known as Razorhurst.

My Thoughts: I love learning interesting tidbits about history. Criminal history is even more interesting to learn about. That was probably my favorite part about this novel, being introduced to a piece of Australian history that I'd never heard about before. What a time to experience. What a story to hear.

There were things about the story that didn't grab me. It was a little jumpy. There were a lot of characters that were introduced and we learned about. The story took place in essentially one day, and it was the longest day ever.
I also love a good story with a paranormal twist, and the twist in this one was ghosts. I felt like more could have been done with the ghosts, Kelpie's gift could have had a greater part to play then it did. I just thought maybe more would happen with the ghost bit then it did.

I liked this story. I had a lot of fun learning about a history that I'd never heard of before. This book definitely deserves more reads than it's gotten. This book just guarantees that you'll want to google Razor gangs Australia, and learn the real story of its players and places. I just enjoyed this and recommend that you pick it up and give it a read.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5

A fascinating, fictionalized version of a dangerous history. Worth the Read!