Phenomenal book by Shelly Wood about a unique girl called Katherine McKinley (Kit) who was born on the leap day in 1916. She ages only at a quarter of the normal speed i.e. 1 year for every 4 years just like a leap year. This of course meant even her creation was far longer than normal and even before her birth her family had to hide her existence.
This sets the tone for the rest of the book with Kit's existence having to be hidden from the world less she become a medical lab rat. Born at a time in history with a lot of turmoil (WW1 & the suffragist movement taking centre stage initially) and crucially later on when kit is only 5 or 6 (in her years) having to contend with WW2 and the Nazi's and the pivotal danger that brought.
Even though the book has this magical realism aspect or genetic marvel if you will, the story is more directed towards human eugenics debate and medical ethics as we see society and science evolve and through Kit's mother the dawn of genetic advances as we see her desperately researching her daughter's condition.

A slower paced but easy to read story about a unique and emotional life of great wonder and loss. This multi POV book is perfect for lovers of The Invisible life of Addie LaRue.
The only downside was that the story only spans 100 years or so and therefore only 25 years of Kit's extraordinary life. It's ending definitely left me wanting more. a Sequel perhaps??

Many thanks to Union Square & Co who provided me with a copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book had highs and lows for me. The plot is that a little girl is born on leap year and she doesn’t age. She ages 4 years to every 1. The book started off great. But then I feel like it deviated from the plot. It started talking about the world at the time in the 30s and nazis and politics. Then it goes back to the story. I did like the ending about how to still life live like you don’t have all this extra time. And even if your beauty fades and you have secrets, the people that matter will still love you.

Kit, born on Feb 29, actually ages one year every 4 calendar years. That's the premise. And that is the type of premise that intrigues me - how will she live her life? Unlike Matt Haig's "How to Stop Time" (which I also liked) where the slower time frame of aging starts after puberty, Kit has a slower time clock from before birth. Her parents must hide her in plain sight so questions aren't asked that could get everyone in trouble. Her younger sister eventually has to pose as her mother. It gets complicated, but in an interesting way. But, that is not all this book is about. Born in the 1910's, she is surrounded by the increased call for eugenics, which her 'anomaly' would draw unwanted attention to. As part of their moving to hide her slow aging, they end up in Germany in the 1930's, where the government is putting eugenics into action, (in this book the focus was on a young deaf girl, which was particularly heart wrenching). It was hard for me to read about these historical eugenics activities, both because I know they are based in reality and because of increasing rhetoric of hate that is emerging now. So, hard to read, but a good reminder of how words of hate can become actions of hate.

While I was expecting a bit of a lighter novel with this premise, the inclusion of the historical context for her long life gave the book more meaning. I will be talking about this book with my readers and recommending it widely.

Sadly, I ended up DNF-ing this book. It moved very slowly and just could not capture my interest. But I do appreciate the chance to read the ARC, so thank you to the publisher and NetGalley!!

Kit McKinley, born on 29 February, ages one year for every four. This book follows her from childhood until her one hundredth birthday, focusing on her relationship with those around her. The first part revolves around her life wit her her father Ernest, a diplomat, her mother Lillian, a scientist and her sister Helen who struggles to grow up 'normal' next to her unusual sister. The latter of the book sees her attempt to find her path in life and build stable relationships with friends and lovers.
I enjoyed the historical fiction elements of the book, particularly the time spent in Nazi Germany. I did however feel that it ended a little abruptly, leaving me wanting more.

A recommended read for fans of The Invisible Life of Addie Larue and Matt Haig's How to Stop Time.

Thank you to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book a great deal. Some of the concepts were a bit difficult to grasp, but that's not because the author didn't explain it well. This book spans decades, with the subject of eugenics involved in the plot line. It made me think about others who perceive someone as different, they can't explain it, so it's "wrong."
I felt the characters were well done, and a few I didn't really care for...but that's how real life works also, right?
Thank you to Union Square and Company and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Although I enjoyed the premise of aging only every four years I didn't enjoy this book. I didn’t care or feel an an infinity with any of the characters, and I felt the book was boring and moved too slowly. No pun intended.