reading_rainbow_with_chris's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
“Graceful Burdens” by Roxane Gay
A short story about women not allowed to have children and their response to it. I can’t write much without giving away the story but I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. Gay has long been one of my favorite authors and, although she is better known for her nonfiction work, her voice in fiction is not to be overlooked. Full of candor and depth without becoming trapped in emotional whirlpools, readers of Gay’s fiction are invited to feel as opposed to forced into it. For this story, I did find myself wishing that this were a full novel(la) because some of the details moved a bit too fast and I wanted more time with the characters. But for what it is, it’s a wonderful story that reminds me how much I love and miss Gay’s writing, and I hope that we get to hear more of it soon.
A short story about women not allowed to have children and their response to it. I can’t write much without giving away the story but I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. Gay has long been one of my favorite authors and, although she is better known for her nonfiction work, her voice in fiction is not to be overlooked. Full of candor and depth without becoming trapped in emotional whirlpools, readers of Gay’s fiction are invited to feel as opposed to forced into it. For this story, I did find myself wishing that this were a full novel(la) because some of the details moved a bit too fast and I wanted more time with the characters. But for what it is, it’s a wonderful story that reminds me how much I love and miss Gay’s writing, and I hope that we get to hear more of it soon.
anotherbritinthewall's review against another edition
5.0
A nice, short read; just enough details to understand the world but nothing to confuse the reader - I like to be able to let my imagination do its work. I'd really like to read a whole book about Hadley and her journey. But I did think it would have more of the other perspectives, especially the librarians. (4.5)
queenkoko's review against another edition
5.0
Read it in one night. I need a full novel with all these characters and their complex issues in a messed up world that Roxane created. I loved it!
noodlesniebauer's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
lori_reads_everything's review against another edition
5.0
This short story is about the bureaucracy of babies. Roxanne Gay creates a dystopian future/reality in which women's genetics are screened to see if they qualify to get a license to have children. They are then partnered with a suitable mate and allowed to raise a family. Those who have children while being unlicensed, have their children taken to baby libraries, where they can be borrowed by other unlicensed women.
I think with any story surrounding the severe and harsh governing of women's reproductive rights, we tend to draw parallels to The Handmaid's Tale. However, I loved this story so much more than that, and truly wish Roxanne would give us a whole novel based on this story. 5⭐
I think with any story surrounding the severe and harsh governing of women's reproductive rights, we tend to draw parallels to The Handmaid's Tale. However, I loved this story so much more than that, and truly wish Roxanne would give us a whole novel based on this story. 5⭐
welkinvault's review
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A different dystopian story reminiscent of A Handmaids Tale, A reworking of the control of women’s bodies and reproductive choices. And how lack of choice leads to such deep deep un happiness
Solid 3.5 stars
Solid 3.5 stars
emilysamsharrisreads's review against another edition
5.0
Another very short story that still managed to introduce you to characters that felt multi-dimensional. Roxane Gay does an excellent job discussing reproductive justice and the complicated feelings of motherhood in under 25 pages.
nuts246's review against another edition
5.0
What happens when a woman is reduced to a baby making machine. And only genetically perfect women are allowed to make babies. Food for thought
hattiereadssomanybooks_x's review
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0