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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book evokes a lot of feelings. It should make you feel angry and disturbed. I think this also reflects the state of the world right now especially the political atmosphere in the United States, which clearly was the author’s intention as it was written during Trump’s first term.
I think I would have liked to have seen more of the turmoil in these “camps” (prisons) and maybe would have liked secondary POVs from some of the other female characters for this reason, but the plot of the book is about one woman and her experience and struggle with the limitations she has so I get why that wasn’t shown.
It got a 5⭐️ because it’s super thought provoking and I think it will stick with me for a long long time.
I think I would have liked to have seen more of the turmoil in these “camps” (prisons) and maybe would have liked secondary POVs from some of the other female characters for this reason, but the plot of the book is about one woman and her experience and struggle with the limitations she has so I get why that wasn’t shown.
It got a 5⭐️ because it’s super thought provoking and I think it will stick with me for a long long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Religious bigotry
Ooh this one's a cracker! American extreme religious Puritanism has led to women being restricted to 100 words a day. Billed as a re-imagining of The Handmaid's Tale.
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Enjoyable but not ground breaking
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
First off, I liked the concept. I love stories that make me think, and this one sure did. But the author states that she wants this story to make you angry. I think she wants you to be angry that the women are treated this way, that the religious, conservative right could take over in such a way. But really, I don't see this happening. I just didn't really ever think 'wow this could happen here'. That being said, I can clearly see instances all around the world of women being mistreated and their rights being stripped away because of men, and yes, sometimes religion, and I think this is the kind of book that can make you think about the things you see around you. Also, there was some subtle sexism in this book, such as Jean's opinions towards Patrick and Lorenzo, even to the point of seeing displays of violence in men as being more worthy a characteristic than someone like Patrick, who is the quieter, more bookish person. Quiet, bookish men are just as worthy as the more macho ones! Why do people persist in this view that men have to be ultra masculine to be a real man?
Second, the characters - I hated Jean. I mean, she's having an affair, hates her husband, hates her child, has a clear favourite child, does literally nothing in the first pages of the book... I just couldn't get behind her as a character. I think it was the affair that did it. Such irresponsible actions, when the consequences are so dire in this story. I only warmed up to her after the halfway point, really. And even then I still didn't like her that much. Her husband was a wet lettuce, her middle two children are just names with no personalities. I don't know. I didn't like anyone that much, except maybe Jackie, or the idea of her as we rarely come across her in this book except in Jean's memories. Oh, and I liked Lin, too.
Third, the plot - I thought the ending was rushed and confusing. I had no idea what happened, and still don't quite understand. I thought it was kind of slow moving in terms of plot throughout the book, and then suddenly it all happened at once. This was more of a study of the effects of such drastic events, and the plot seemed to take the back burner for most of the book.
Finally, the writing - it was fairly good. I read this book fairly quickly, and the author has the same kind of background to the character in the book, so she clearly knew some of her stuff. The science stuff didn't make much sense to me, but I'm no expert.
Overall, I gave this three stars. I liked the concept, the book was an okay read, but I didn't connect with any of the characters, the plot was a bit ridiculous and the ending was poor.
Second, the characters - I hated Jean. I mean, she's having an affair, hates her husband, hates her child, has a clear favourite child, does literally nothing in the first pages of the book... I just couldn't get behind her as a character. I think it was the affair that did it. Such irresponsible actions, when the consequences are so dire in this story. I only warmed up to her after the halfway point, really. And even then I still didn't like her that much. Her husband was a wet lettuce, her middle two children are just names with no personalities. I don't know. I didn't like anyone that much, except maybe Jackie, or the idea of her as we rarely come across her in this book except in Jean's memories. Oh, and I liked Lin, too.
Third, the plot - I thought the ending was rushed and confusing. I had no idea what happened, and still don't quite understand. I thought it was kind of slow moving in terms of plot throughout the book, and then suddenly it all happened at once. This was more of a study of the effects of such drastic events, and the plot seemed to take the back burner for most of the book.
Finally, the writing - it was fairly good. I read this book fairly quickly, and the author has the same kind of background to the character in the book, so she clearly knew some of her stuff. The science stuff didn't make much sense to me, but I'm no expert.
Overall, I gave this three stars. I liked the concept, the book was an okay read, but I didn't connect with any of the characters, the plot was a bit ridiculous and the ending was poor.
4.5 Es extraña la forma en la que este libro se sintió esperanzador