A review by mommyandme_bookclub
The Shutouts by Gabrielle Korn

dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

The Shutouts revisits the dystopian world of  Korn’s debut novel, Yours For The Taking. Captivating and thought-provoking, both interconnected standalones follow characters on the fringe of society as a near-future America experiences climate collapse. 

In The Shutouts, Korn delves further into the emotional aspects of her characters, and the story has a more muted tone compared with the thrill in Yours For The Taking. Korn weaves together multiple narratives across two timelines, adding perspective and depth to her dystopian setting. 

A prescient piece of fiction— this dystopian novel focuses on themes of survival, corruption, queer identity, and climate crisis. 

I highly recommend the audiobook! Gail Shalan adds melodrama with a powerful performance. 

My rating: 3.75⭐️

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies. Opinions are my own.