Reviews

The Book of Etta by Meg Elison

phildrysdale's review

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

ordinary's review

adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Not as good as the first book but still pretty good. Solid world building and deeply feminist. 

jessdone's review

5.0

I enjoyed The Book of the Unnamed Midwife, but I loved The Book of Etta. So much going on in this book is emotionally perfect. I have very little to comment or discuss. Occasionally I was frustrated with how characters acted, but their reactions were authentic to the characters and the world they lived in.

The difference in the ending between this book and it's predecessor may frustrate readers looking for closure. Even though I usually like definitive endings, I felt like this book shouldn't have a clean wrapped up ending. Etta/Eddy isn't the kind of character who gets wrapped up in a bow at the ending. She defies and conforms in off unexpected ways, and it's part of what I loved about him.

There is something in this book that is joyful and affirming despite the way the world around Etta/Eddy oppresses. Maybe his/her ceaseless hunt for more, the striving for self expression in a world where even survival is a chore felt like a hopeful message to me.

The Unnamed left me thrashed and in need of a break. Etta leaves me drunk on victory and curious as to what else the series will explore. I'm disappointed I have to wait for more.

emujxox's review against another edition

4.5

I really enjoyed this! Loved the expansion of the world set up in the first instalment and the variety of ideas on how communities would adapt in a post-apocalyptic world. Really interesting look at how sexuality and gender would be handled in a world so dominated by the populations biological sex. LGBT people don’t just stop existing when the population dwindles, and I liked how these biases and feelings were explored by characters who had no reference for these topics in a deeply gendered world. 

libabbywilliams's review

4.0

Good sequel. This was a continuation to The Book of the Unnamed Midwife, and while it was a compelling sequel, it wasn't as good as the first. I was not as interested in Etta's life, motivations, or surroundings. I do think this book is good for representation of the LBGTQ community, it seemed kind of forced in my opinion.

bcoutinho's review

5.0

Meg Ellison is a literary genius! Made my understanding of gender expand.

mo_ber's review

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

hermelina's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

hectaizani's review

4.0

A continuation of the story begun in The Book of the Unnamed Midwife. Etta's story begins many years after the events in the first book end. The plague is ongoing and people are struggling to survive in the new world. Can't wait for Flora's story.

greenhedgehog's review

3.0

This was my least favorite of the trio. Would probably not re-read. Was really violent in a different way. Hard-ish read