A review by introvertsbookclub
Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah

challenging emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

A lot of the early chapters felt like they were padding out the novel, and I struggled to keep reading (the structure, the time jumps and the present tense didn’t help). However, by the half way mark the novel seemed to have found itself. It explored, in depth, the experience of being a woman who doesn’t want to have children; the cultural and familial pressure to do so anyway; the impact on mental health, sense of self, and life decisions when you are manipulated into motherhood; and the battle not to let your identity and purpose be entirely consumed by that motherhood. The husband’s role in this was so frustrating to read, but as the novel progressed there was real character growth and what felt like a serious consideration of the burden of care that is placed on women, finally recognised from a male perspective. This would make such a good book club read because there is so much to discuss, but I’m trying not to give away any spoilers. Other themes included migration and feeling separated from home, racism, sexism and access to healthcare, people pleasing, self-expression, and mental health. But just  as I was starting to enjoy the book, the ending had to disappoint me. The author and the characters had made so many strides forward, and the ending completely undermined them. One day I want to read a novel about a woman who doesn’t want children that allows her a happy ending without compromising her feelings, but that is not this book. Reading this was a rollercoaster of mixed emotions, but it was worth it for the parts that worked well.
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