Reviews

Thank you ReadItForward and NetGalley for the ARC! It took some time to get used to the writing, it was short paragraphs. It seemed like a diary. It reminded me of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Giver, which I loved those books. I liked this book but also disliked it because it was confusing at times. I wish there was more of a background to the story. But the ending did make me want it to keep going.

hannahlou21's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

a reflective exploration of motherhood, choice, femininity, and control. mackintoshs writing is emotional and almost lyrical.

carolyn0613's review against another edition

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5.0

I read Sophie Mackintosh's novel The Water Cure and enjoyed her writing a lot. It's quite a literary style and the story was other-worldly in a dreamy sense. This book is a little more down to earth but the writing is just as captivating. The story is set in a near future dystopian world where girls are sorted at the menarche and have to leave their homes to find their own way. It's a brutal time for them but strangely well organised and has opportunities for these girls. Calla, the main character, finds herself in a personal crisis and is forced to flee. We read of this journey and also the journey she took to find herself in that place as well. It a very compelling story and is beautifully written. I recommend it highly.

sierrainstitches's review

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4.5

This started out really slow for me but really picked up around half way. I’m glad I stuck with it. Sort of. Maybe not “glad,” but 😅😫

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