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A review by marziesreads
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
4.0
4.5 Stars
Dread Nation is an alternate history telling of US history after rising of the undead fallen on the field of Gettysburg results in the largely uncontrolled spread of zombieism throughout the eastern United States. Set about 20 years after The Rising, we follow the story of Jane McKeene, a mixed-race young woman who has been in training at Miss Preston's School of Combat for Negro Girls, learning to become an Attendant to some fine white lady who couldn't possibly kill any attacking zombies (here called shamblers) herself! (Heavens, no. She might soil her pretty dress) That's what trained up black girls are for! This book has a lot to say about race relations, labor disparity, food insecurity, and the problem of being an individual of mixed race (twists to the very end on that point). It firmly demonstrates that race is, in fact, a rather idiotic construct that prevents societal progress. Dread Nation achieves this with no small amount of humor, though there is still dread.
Jane is a bit of a Mary Sue, with mad weapons skills (except for guns... so hapless at guns) and plenty of pluck. Trust me, she's going to need those. People have been trying to kill Jane literally since her birth. In the events of Dread Nation, Jane gets stranded with her most annoying classmate Kate and her ex-beau Jackson as they stumble on dark doings while trying to locate Jackson's missing little sister Lily. The narrative was a bit muddy in places but this is basically a book for young adults with food for thought about race, freedom, how limited choices impact actual freedom, and the obvious failings of a segregated utopia built upon a platform of injustice and false faith. Sharp-eyed readers may note some interesting handling of sexuality and asexuality.
While some reviewers might carp over anachronisms, it's an alternate history, following a hugely disruptive ongoing event that has altered society in myriad ways. As someone usually bothered by anachronisms I can honestly say I wasn't here... I was transported enough by Jane's story not to care. This is a very enjoyable read that can spur discussions about race relations then (1800's) and now. Frankly, my only quibble was what I felt was a somewhat glossed over depiction of Jane
Readers should note that this is part 1 of a duology, with part two releasing next year. I've heard several complaints about the end of the book but it isn't a cliffhanger. The story simply isn't finished.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book on Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Dread Nation is an alternate history telling of US history after rising of the undead fallen on the field of Gettysburg results in the largely uncontrolled spread of zombieism throughout the eastern United States. Set about 20 years after The Rising, we follow the story of Jane McKeene, a mixed-race young woman who has been in training at Miss Preston's School of Combat for Negro Girls, learning to become an Attendant to some fine white lady who couldn't possibly kill any attacking zombies (here called shamblers) herself! (Heavens, no. She might soil her pretty dress) That's what trained up black girls are for! This book has a lot to say about race relations, labor disparity, food insecurity, and the problem of being an individual of mixed race (twists to the very end on that point). It firmly demonstrates that race is, in fact, a rather idiotic construct that prevents societal progress. Dread Nation achieves this with no small amount of humor, though there is still dread.
Jane is a bit of a Mary Sue, with mad weapons skills (except for guns... so hapless at guns) and plenty of pluck. Trust me, she's going to need those. People have been trying to kill Jane literally since her birth. In the events of Dread Nation, Jane gets stranded with her most annoying classmate Kate and her ex-beau Jackson as they stumble on dark doings while trying to locate Jackson's missing little sister Lily. The narrative was a bit muddy in places but this is basically a book for young adults with food for thought about race, freedom, how limited choices impact actual freedom, and the obvious failings of a segregated utopia built upon a platform of injustice and false faith. Sharp-eyed readers may note some interesting handling of sexuality and asexuality.
While some reviewers might carp over anachronisms, it's an alternate history, following a hugely disruptive ongoing event that has altered society in myriad ways. As someone usually bothered by anachronisms I can honestly say I wasn't here... I was transported enough by Jane's story not to care. This is a very enjoyable read that can spur discussions about race relations then (1800's) and now. Frankly, my only quibble was what I felt was a somewhat glossed over depiction of Jane
Spoiler
being whipped in that her recovery, both physical and emotional felt too swift.Readers should note that this is part 1 of a duology, with part two releasing next year. I've heard several complaints about the end of the book but it isn't a cliffhanger. The story simply isn't finished.
I received a Digital Review Copy of this book on Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.