Delicately somber tale of loss, survival, and love. 
 Plain Kate is one of those sad stories that will tug on your heart strings, hell maybe even rip them out a bit. It portrays the cruelties that people are capable of to a haunting extreme. I don't know what is scarier, imagining the evil things an author can conjure in their books or knowing that people really can be that petty and cruel. It was amazingly written. 
 Though there was a lot of darkness and superstition (throw in a lot of finger pointing, and crying of witch), at the same time this book renewed my faith in the unexpected kindness of others. Think....what would you do for someone you truly love? I'm not talking about romantic love here. 
 Kate is a phenomenally gifted wood carver, learning the trade from her father. But he falls ill from the sickness while she is still a child. He dies and leaves her an orphan, and as she isn't an adult and was never officially apprenticed she can not take over her fathers business, no matter how talented. Thus, Kate is turned out and must fend for herself. She survives by living inside a drawer in their old work booth in the market and selling what little things she can. 
 Unfortunately, she is a target for the town's superstitious residents. Her character is a sad and lonely but determined survivor. At least she has a cat. I have a soft spot for stories with a cat or dog companion in them. 
 When a traveling peddler comes to town making trouble for her, in order to pressure her to trade her shadow, she is forced to flee. That is when we really see what she is made of. I don't want to spoil anything but must say she meets both wonderful and terrible people and experiences such things befitting both. I was amazed this was a debut author as it was crafted so well. This is a book I would read again and recommend to friends!