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memorymaven's review
3.0
This one has me going back and forth because it has the odd distinction of being both annoying and thought-provoking at the same time. If I was rating it solely on whether I liked the writing, the stars probably would have been a 2. But the premise itself, and the story built around it was more like a 4. So that's how I ended up at 3.
I will definitely still be thinking about this book and the commentary it makes on what constitutes a "good" mother, and the gap in expectations of fathers vs. mothers. This would make an excellent discussion book (as long as you can get past the odd writing style...).
I will definitely still be thinking about this book and the commentary it makes on what constitutes a "good" mother, and the gap in expectations of fathers vs. mothers. This would make an excellent discussion book (as long as you can get past the odd writing style...).
literallydori's review against another edition
3.0
This book was so infuriating. The main character Frida was treated so unfairly and the expectations and pressures she was under were maddening. The plot is reminiscent of The Handmaids Tale but not in a bad way. I rated this one 3 stars because it is worth a shot to read but be prepared to be upset.
ahellberg's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 ⭐️
Let me start by saying that I really loved this book and was drawn deeply into the world that Chan created. That being said, buckle up because it will infuriate you, which only speaks to Chan's ability to create a compelling and heartbreaking story.
This dystopian tale explores the role of government in parenting through a big-brother style overreach. Children are taken from parents in what seemingly are minor offense compared to others. Extensive gaslighting winds mothers in an experimental school where they are continuously put through psychological torment with the hope of regaining their children. Chan is an expert at evoking emotion in the reader by applying pressure in the right way to outrage you.
It didn't get a full 5 stars because the main character isn't really likable. If not for the horrific society she is living in, I doubt many readers would root for her. She is somehow passive and petulant and really not a great mother. Yet in the end, you want her to succeed just to break through the system. I highly recommend reading.
Let me start by saying that I really loved this book and was drawn deeply into the world that Chan created. That being said, buckle up because it will infuriate you, which only speaks to Chan's ability to create a compelling and heartbreaking story.
This dystopian tale explores the role of government in parenting through a big-brother style overreach. Children are taken from parents in what seemingly are minor offense compared to others. Extensive gaslighting winds mothers in an experimental school where they are continuously put through psychological torment with the hope of regaining their children. Chan is an expert at evoking emotion in the reader by applying pressure in the right way to outrage you.
It didn't get a full 5 stars because the main character isn't really likable. If not for the horrific society she is living in, I doubt many readers would root for her. She is somehow passive and petulant and really not a great mother. Yet in the end, you want her to succeed just to break through the system. I highly recommend reading.
onlyyemi's review
5.0
now THAT was art
Simply a work of art. I felt and saw everything Frida saw and felt so deeply. Many questions about the good mothers program but nothing makes sense when they went through that to not even keep their kids. Such deeper meaning about the world and how it unrealistically sees mothers. Loved this book and it will definitely something I read over and over.
Simply a work of art. I felt and saw everything Frida saw and felt so deeply. Many questions about the good mothers program but nothing makes sense when they went through that to not even keep their kids. Such deeper meaning about the world and how it unrealistically sees mothers. Loved this book and it will definitely something I read over and over.
stephaniegustafson's review against another edition
2.0
DNF. This book was extremely triggering for me, which is not a word I use lightly. I’m not sure if it is my personal feelings of “working mom guilt” or the fact that my child is currently the same age as Harriet, but I could barely stomach five chapters before I had to set this aside. I kept trying to go back to it, and would find myself either in a fit of rage or instantly nauseous. I couldn’t do it.
lindseyloodles's review against another edition
4.0
Mom specific sci-fi dystopia. Perfect to add a little stress to your evening after the kids go to bed.
knenglish24's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book, and I enjoyed it— not everything has to be 5 stars! I enjoy the dystopia/science fiction flair as well as the exploration of ethicals with artificial intelligence and technology. Part of the novel that I struggle with, and always do with any book, is having a main character that’s very unlikeable. It’s a hard thing to do, to make a character deeply flawed while still making them relatable or interesting enough to make the reader want to hear what they have to say, and I’m not sure that this one does it— at least for me.
nancyflanagan's review against another edition
4.0
I was amused to see that several reviewers compared the book to 'The Handmaid's Tale'--because that comparison rolled around in my head the whole time I was reading. Just like HT, it's over-the-top dystopian, with lots of AI and Aunt Lydia types wearing pink lab coats. The first quarter of the book is real-life ugly; leaving your child alone because you just need a break is something people do, and the idea that technology can make Child Protective Services more 'efficient' is certainly believable.
Just as, it should be noted, a national attack on women's rights, a la HT, is believable. I'm well aware of the adoption agencies and social workers who'd like to insert their right-wing beliefs into the (let's be frank) baby market.
I was also taken aback by readers who didn't care for the book because they 'didn't like' the protagonist, Frida. I thought Frida was a complicated but compelling character, a rule-follower and perfectionist who simply screwed up big-time by not asking for help. Frida devotes a year of her life and considerable self-denigration to getting her daughter back. How can you not like a person like that?
Yes--the middle section of the book, the constant beating down of imperfect women, was pretty bizarre. It's speculative and dystopian fiction, however. And Chan's writing is awesome--witty and sarcastic. I enjoyed the read.
Four stars plus.
Just as, it should be noted, a national attack on women's rights, a la HT, is believable. I'm well aware of the adoption agencies and social workers who'd like to insert their right-wing beliefs into the (let's be frank) baby market.
I was also taken aback by readers who didn't care for the book because they 'didn't like' the protagonist, Frida. I thought Frida was a complicated but compelling character, a rule-follower and perfectionist who simply screwed up big-time by not asking for help. Frida devotes a year of her life and considerable self-denigration to getting her daughter back. How can you not like a person like that?
Yes--the middle section of the book, the constant beating down of imperfect women, was pretty bizarre. It's speculative and dystopian fiction, however. And Chan's writing is awesome--witty and sarcastic. I enjoyed the read.
Four stars plus.