A review by jnzllwgr
The Need by Helen Phillips

reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

I *need* not to spend any effort on writing this report. This was a dud. So much potential thrown away on minutiae rather than exploring the multiversal aspects of the story. Or why there were reactionary terrorists in both, despite the artifacts being from one and not the other (plot hole!) Instead it focused, I *think*, on the feelings of one mother  losing their exclusive bond with their child, having the other mother clandestinely substituting for her. As a man, perhaps I lack the capacity to understand the words being written. Or, as I prefer to think of this, the author lacked the ability to draw me in, find empathy and greater appreciation for the deep, connective, existential qualities of motherhood.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯