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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
๐๐จ๐ง๐ง๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฒ๐น ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐๐ผ๐ป is a compelling dystopian novel that tackles systemic injustice and explores identity, resilience, and the struggle for freedom. Set in a divided society of the privileged Mainland and oppressed Gutter, the story follows Elimina Dubois, a young woman navigating a world designed to keep her subservient. Richardson masterfully captures the emotional weight of her protagonistโs journey, blending heartbreak, hope, and social commentary. While the novel's premise is gripping and its exploration of systemic racism thought-provoking, I found the characters overly dramatic and the ending anticlimactic. The pacing, however, keeps the narrative engaging, making it a quick, impactful read. Comparisons to The Hunger Games are inevitable, but Gutter Child carves its own path, presenting a stark, raw vision of a fractured society. This is a thought-provoking story that challenges readers to reflect on privilege, power, and what true freedom means.
I read an E-book that had an author's note advising readers to take care while reading it. Do wish the publisher had put that at the front. Lmao. I'm splitting the difference on the rating on this one. I think the book was Very good, but I did not enjoy it. It's Very heavy and in my opinion was doing a lot of work comparing modern late stage capitalism and chattel slavery as well as mixing them together in new and unpleasant ways. Again, very good book, did make me super sad though.
An interesting novel that touches on important topics of colonization, social hierarchies and displacement, however it feels a bit too on the nose at times. The dialogue is well-written, and the impossible frustration of unjust systems comes through. For me, the passage of time felt jarring and led to a somewhat unsatisfying read.
This is a book that young people will likely take a lot away from, and I would love to see this in school bookshelves, and the bookcases of teens. There is a great exploration of allyship and the suspicion of solidarity, and the impact of generational trauma on folks experiencing oppression. It would pair nicely with The Hate U Give โฅ๏ธ
This is a book that young people will likely take a lot away from, and I would love to see this in school bookshelves, and the bookcases of teens. There is a great exploration of allyship and the suspicion of solidarity, and the impact of generational trauma on folks experiencing oppression. It would pair nicely with The Hate U Give โฅ๏ธ
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Gutter Child is a comprehensive commentary on the cycle of poverty, colonialism, institutionalized racism and class and racial divides. It is the exact reminder to me as to why I love science fiction/dystopian fiction so much - they take a very real topic, theme, issue we see day to day and take it to the extreme through storytelling. This book made me think and reflect on the violent system of oppression we operate in and how truly impossible it is for many of the most vulnerable to build a life of security and stability. The system is tilted and at what point do we move away from โreformโ and towards โrecreateโ?
However, the lasting message of reclaiming power and identity and finding opportunities for resistance, however subtle, left me with some feelings of hope.
However, the lasting message of reclaiming power and identity and finding opportunities for resistance, however subtle, left me with some feelings of hope.
This sci-fi dystopian novel reminds me of both The Handmaid's Tale and Internment (the latter written by Samira Ahmed), while still being utterly unique. It explores race, justice, and (in)equality.
This is a powerful work, and it will definitely leave you feeling unsettled. Because yes, even if this is a fictional world, it is all too familiar. Some reviews say that this is a reflection of what the world could become if we are not careful. But we're already there, and society chooses to turn a blind eye.
This is a powerful work, and it will definitely leave you feeling unsettled. Because yes, even if this is a fictional world, it is all too familiar. Some reviews say that this is a reflection of what the world could become if we are not careful. But we're already there, and society chooses to turn a blind eye.
Richardson has created a dystopian world reeking with injustices similar to our own. Itโs a haunting tale that is at times painfully real. Her characters shine with strength rooted in their humanity and love and the resilience and power they build through community.
Devoured this book over the past few days. It will keep me in thought for a long time as I consider the ways the systems in this book mirror those in my world- through time and movements and shifting dynamics of control.
I would recommend it to anyone searching for a good story- particularly those interested in social systems and justice.
I would recommend it to anyone searching for a good story- particularly those interested in social systems and justice.
The best dystopia novels fling cuurent reality in our faces and Jael was spot on about so ongoing many issues of racism, sexism, colonialism and economic oppression.