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rosadela's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
melreb8's review against another edition
2.0
I have many problems with this book. The first part is really excellent. The premise is amazing, and the dystopian society is frighteningly believable, and well thought out. But then… it completely crashed and burned in the second half, as so many other readers have pointed out. I don’t want to list every problem I have with the book, but here are a few.
Melachroming is a very original concept (as punishment, people’s skin is changed to various colors, depending on their crimes), and I did like the tie-in to The Scarlet Letter. However, there was a huge opportunity missed to tie the concept also to racism. Racism is mentioned, but only in passing as something that still exists in America. So much more could have been done with it. In fact, towards the end of the book, there is a scene with a gas station attendant that I found to be quite racist and stereotypical. Disappointing.
Aidan is awful! Just a selfish, useless, pathetic excuse of a love interest. And Hannah goes back to him…. Grrr…. Actually, Hannah’s personality is just as bad; the two of them deserve each other, really. In my opinion the ending of the book destroys any message the book may have had.
The kidnapping rescue near the end of the story was a total cop-out. (Hannah is conveniently knocked out during the action, so all we get is the barest sketch of what could have been a very exciting part of the story.) Then, the lesbian romantic scene following was forced, rushed, awkward, and highly unlikely considering what the main character had just been through mere hours before.
Ok, that was just a short list of some issues I had with this book. I won’t even address the heavy religious tone of the book and the way I felt it was sneaky… Sigh. I beg you to read The Handmaid’s Tale instead. This is definitely no Mudbound; not even in the same league, unfortunately. Because of the last half (or maybe 1/3) I have to give the book two stars.
Melachroming is a very original concept (as punishment, people’s skin is changed to various colors, depending on their crimes), and I did like the tie-in to The Scarlet Letter. However, there was a huge opportunity missed to tie the concept also to racism. Racism is mentioned, but only in passing as something that still exists in America. So much more could have been done with it. In fact, towards the end of the book, there is a scene with a gas station attendant that I found to be quite racist and stereotypical. Disappointing.
Aidan is awful! Just a selfish, useless, pathetic excuse of a love interest. And Hannah goes back to him…. Grrr…. Actually, Hannah’s personality is just as bad; the two of them deserve each other, really. In my opinion the ending of the book destroys any message the book may have had.
The kidnapping rescue near the end of the story was a total cop-out. (Hannah is conveniently knocked out during the action, so all we get is the barest sketch of what could have been a very exciting part of the story.) Then, the lesbian romantic scene following was forced, rushed, awkward, and highly unlikely considering what the main character had just been through mere hours before.
Ok, that was just a short list of some issues I had with this book. I won’t even address the heavy religious tone of the book and the way I felt it was sneaky… Sigh. I beg you to read The Handmaid’s Tale instead. This is definitely no Mudbound; not even in the same league, unfortunately. Because of the last half (or maybe 1/3) I have to give the book two stars.
danoreading's review against another edition
4.0
Scarily realistic look at a possible future America.
fakeppy's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm what to say...? As so many other reviewers have said, the first half was really good. Believable dystopian society setup, a sympathetic main character, interesting fresh idea... And then about halfway through it just fell apart. Some of the things that happened were WAY out of character for the protag, and changed my feelings about the whole book. And then all the religious propaganda at the end, I don't get it. This could have been so very very interesting given the rather original plot line... Oh well.
shannontay's review against another edition
4.0
I wish there was 3.5 stars - if so, that's what I'd give this! There were things I liked and didn't like about it.
Liked: the first 70% of the book a lot. I liked it that it didn't vilify anyone and makes the reader stop and think about what appropriate punishment ought to be for certain crimes.
Didn't like: the final 30% of the book as much. there were a few scenes with sexual imagery that I would prefer were left out.
Liked: the first 70% of the book a lot. I liked it that it didn't vilify anyone and makes the reader stop and think about what appropriate punishment ought to be for certain crimes.
Didn't like: the final 30% of the book as much. there were a few scenes with sexual imagery that I would prefer were left out.
toc's review against another edition
3.0
I can tell you right off the bat what happened when she woke. When she woke she was red. That's a near quote from the first line in the book. It's what happens to her afterwards that's the real story.
I found the main character to be a compelling one, and her journey, in many ways and for different reasons with a different ending, somewhat mirrors my own journey thru my young life, tho' I be a he and not a she. I suspect that her story will ring true with a lot of people, tho' their situations be as different as mine.
Yes, there's political commentary. Yes, there's religious commentary. Yes, there's feminist commentary. And, yes, some of the characters are amazingly annoying. (the main he in particular) But those are all elements leading to a good story and a good book. Thank you, Ms. Jordan!
I found the main character to be a compelling one, and her journey, in many ways and for different reasons with a different ending, somewhat mirrors my own journey thru my young life, tho' I be a he and not a she. I suspect that her story will ring true with a lot of people, tho' their situations be as different as mine.
Yes, there's political commentary. Yes, there's religious commentary. Yes, there's feminist commentary. And, yes, some of the characters are amazingly annoying. (the main he in particular) But those are all elements leading to a good story and a good book. Thank you, Ms. Jordan!
bsmith27's review against another edition
3.0
Dystoypian novel about a religious world where people are colored if they commit a crime. The main character is turned red because she has an abortion.
willow_garden_3697's review against another edition
4.0
I was a bit taken aback sometimes about some of the strong Christian views presented in the book, but ultimately it was good. It was really interesting to watch Hannah change and evolve as a person, and I really enjoyed the strong ending.
paigemorfitt's review against another edition
3.0
The end was a bit disappointing, but overall it was pretty good.
stacy_wilson's review against another edition
5.0
What a brilliant novel! While When She Woke is, on the surface, a retelling of The Scarlet Letter, it’s also a thought-provoking tale of self-discovery, both poignant and pertinent.
While Hester Prynne was branded with a scarlet A for having a baby as a result of adultery, Hannah Payne’s entire body is ‘melachromed’ red for having an abortion, which is considered murder under the Sanctity of Life laws. Hannah then begins a journey starting with the criminal justice system, where criminals are chromed different colors according to the severity of their crimes and released into society to avoid the cost of housing them in prison. Her dignity, privacy, and security are all assaulted in various ways. She is betrayed and befriended. She reexamines all of her relationships (with her family, her lover, her god, and herself) from the new perspective of the person she has been changed into.
Hillary Jordan writes with a very smooth style; easy to take in, but not overly simplistic. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gripping fiction with a bit of a challenge inside.
While Hester Prynne was branded with a scarlet A for having a baby as a result of adultery, Hannah Payne’s entire body is ‘melachromed’ red for having an abortion, which is considered murder under the Sanctity of Life laws. Hannah then begins a journey starting with the criminal justice system, where criminals are chromed different colors according to the severity of their crimes and released into society to avoid the cost of housing them in prison. Her dignity, privacy, and security are all assaulted in various ways. She is betrayed and befriended. She reexamines all of her relationships (with her family, her lover, her god, and herself) from the new perspective of the person she has been changed into.
Hillary Jordan writes with a very smooth style; easy to take in, but not overly simplistic. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys gripping fiction with a bit of a challenge inside.