A review by moodreadingmagic
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

When I saw that this book was being compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo I was intrigued. After reading it I can see why the comparison is made but can also assure you that this debut novel stands on its own.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay is structured as the autobiographical account of the life of a famous  anonymous author, Cate Kay. Cate Kay’s debut post apocalyptic novel exploded onto the scene and was quickly followed by movie options, two more books to complete a trilogy, and eventually turned into a Broadway show. Cate’s identity is known to few, a pseudonym for a person in hiding from a tragedy that changed her life trajectory. While Cate Kay is a pen name for Cass Ford, Cass Ford is a new identity for Anne Marie Callahan (Annie).

This story is one of grief, fear and guilt but also love and it is so perfectly balanced throughout. I felt connected to all  the characters, including the ones who acted out of hurt and anger and altered Annie’s life. In the end it is a beautiful tale of friendship, coming of age, coming out, and ultimately love. 

Highly recommend this one! Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me a copy to review; all opinions are my own. The Three Lives of Cate Kay is out now!