A review by chrissydh76
Red Clocks by Leni Zumas

4.0

This book was very difficult to get into, but once I adjusted to the narrating style and became acquainted with all the characters it became a fascinating read about what it means to be a woman, particularly when men try to control our reproductive systems. Abortion and IVF have become a crime in the US, and only married straight couples are going to be allowed to adopt. The story interweaves five women's lives: an unhappy wife with children, a childless (but desperately trying not to be) single teacher, who is writing a biography on a way-ahead-of-her-time Polar explorer, a healer who helps women abort babies (amongst other things) and an unwed pregnant teen who desperately wants an abortion. The way the stories intersect is beautifully done, and I really grew to care what happened to everyone, especially the teacher. The dystopian part, where abortions are a crime, are just real enough to be terrifying. Great book.