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A review by rae_swabey
The Growing Season by Helen Sedgwick
4.0
A compelling, thoughtful alternative history novel in which ectogenesis (growing babies outside the human body) is a contemporary reality. A multi-layered, multi-viewpoint exploration of the subject with an emotionally captivating plot and plenty of juicy themes.
I did feel on occasion that the politics were a bit brushed over (for example the relationship of the FullLife company with the NHS and the implications of that), but, as I say, there is much that is explored, in an interesting, non-dogmatic way.
I thought the characters were well drawn (and there are lots of them). I particularly liked Frieda and James Quentin, but I thought she captured well the emotional heart of most of them. Unfortunately, though, I thought the two ‘opposing’ viewpoints, as personified by Eva and Holly were a little unconvincing. Eva’s intellectual viewpoint particularly seemed a bit wishy-washy to me, which I felt slightly undermined the central conflict/journey. But there are moments in there of such brilliant observation and insight that I’m sure I’ll be living with these characters in my mind for a while.
I did feel on occasion that the politics were a bit brushed over (for example the relationship of the FullLife company with the NHS and the implications of that), but, as I say, there is much that is explored, in an interesting, non-dogmatic way.
I thought the characters were well drawn (and there are lots of them). I particularly liked Frieda and James Quentin, but I thought she captured well the emotional heart of most of them. Unfortunately, though, I thought the two ‘opposing’ viewpoints, as personified by Eva and Holly were a little unconvincing. Eva’s intellectual viewpoint particularly seemed a bit wishy-washy to me, which I felt slightly undermined the central conflict/journey. But there are moments in there of such brilliant observation and insight that I’m sure I’ll be living with these characters in my mind for a while.