A review by bookmaddie
Outlawed by Anna North

adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is such a fun story, yet North also smartly tackles ideas of resistance, belief/superstition, and finding your family (and yourself). At once an exciting Western adventure story, North weaves a beautiful story of a community of womxn who have been rejected from their homes and have worked hard to create a safe haven for themselves and any others like them. Through the experience of this community, and through the eyes of our main character, Ada, we come to a full understanding of how hard it can be to make people see the world differently—but the joy and fulfillment that can come from the hard work of trying to do so.

North mainly focuses her unravelling of the Western genre on gender and the expectations of womanhood at the time. I really enjoyed how accepting and celebratory of queer identities this story was, especially in such a male-dominated genre. I do wish North spent more time delving into ideas of race, LGBTQ+ identity, and class. I think there is a lack of clarity around gender identity within this context of cross-dressing that can be quite harmful. 

I did love the Western vibes and how North tipped this genre on its head, but on further reflection, I think there are some elements of this book that need to be looked at more. This is a fun, plot-based read that will have you staying up all night to finish. It is heartwarming, and I adored it.
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