Quick Thoughts: Speak Easy, Speak Love by McKelle George

 

Speak Easy, Speak Love

by McKelle George 

September 19, 2017

Goodreads Summary:

Six teenagers’ lives intertwine during one thrilling summer full of romantic misunderstandings and dangerous deals in this sparkling retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

After she gets kicked out of boarding school, seventeen-year-old Beatrice goes to her uncle’s estate on Long Island. But Hey Nonny Nonny is more than just a rundown old mansion. Beatrice’s cousin, Hero, runs a struggling speakeasy out of the basement—one that might not survive the summer.

Along with Prince, a poor young man determined to prove his worth; his brother, John, a dark and dangerous agent of the local mob; Benedick, a handsome trust-fund kid trying to become a writer; and Maggie, a beautiful and talented singer; Beatrice and Hero throw all their efforts into planning a massive party to save the speakeasy. Despite all their worries, the summer is beautiful, love is in the air, and Beatrice and Benedick are caught up in a romantic battle of wits that their friends might be quietly orchestrating in the background.

Hilariously clever and utterly charming, McKelle George’s debut novel is full of intrigue and 1920s charm. For fans of Jenny Han, Stephanie Perkins, and Anna Godbersen.

Review

I am smacking myself for not picking up Speak Easy, Speak Love sooner! It's a gem of a story. I flew through the book and wanted more after the last page. Can I get a sequel just so I can see what the characters are up to?

What I Liked:

- such a smart retelling

- the time period and setting were so interesting

- the story evoked all the feelings, especially anticipation

- tension, tension, tension

- found family!

- the characterizations were some of the best I've read

- amazing banter/bickering between Beatrice and Benedick

- all 3 relationships had excellent chemistry and developments

- the push and pull between the characters *chef's kiss*

- not everything worked out but the ending was very satisfying

The Not So Much:

- none at all!