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oeunoia's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really didn't enjoy reading this book, every other paragraph goes into how the main character is feeling, but it reads like an Ikea catalogue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Medical trauma, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Hate crime
kaylo88's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
After completing the book, I find myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, I was drawn to the captivating storyline and its thought-provoking premise, particularly the accurate portrayal of right-wing media and the potential societal reactions to the birth of female-only babies in lesbian families. The book also effectively delved into the myriad of emotions that accompany pregnancy and the rollercoaster of experiences, especially relating to the treatment of the "o-o" storyline.
However, there were certain aspects of the story that left me perplexed. For instance, I found myself questioning the lack of vetting procedures for the program's staff and the absence of contractual safeguards to prevent the infiltration of individuals with bigoted views. Furthermore, I was troubled by the apparent exclusion of other segments of society, such as the trans and non-binary communities, which led me to ponder whether there were underlying TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) undertones, although I hope that is not the case.
The overwhelmingly negative portrayal of the "o-o" program left me unsettled, as I struggled to believe that the LGBTQ+ community wouldn't actively challenge this narrative. In reality, I anticipated a more robust response, with counter protests and advocacy for providing lesbian couples with additional choices. Additionally, the portrayal of the main characters, Jules and Rosie, was somewhat disheartening. Jules came across as domineering and irksome, while Rosie's characterisation left me feeling a lack of empathy or curiosity about her. She just seemed weak and dare I say it, boring. Given that the couple served as the focal point of the narrative, I had hoped to genuinely empathise with them; however, I found this to be challenging.
Furthermore, the characters' isolated existence, with minimal friends and support systems beyond a male friend of Rosie's, their parents, and a few of Jules' colleagues, seemed peculiar. I found myself questioning why they lacked a network of queer friends and a support system, especially considering that it would seemingly be a critical criterion for participants in the program. It struck me as implausible that LGBTQ+ couples would lack a circle of queer friends entirely.
My feelings about Jules' manager mirrored my other concerns. While I acknowledge that homophobia is unfortunately prevalent, the manager's reprehensible comments and discriminatory behavior, openly displayed in the workplace, left me bewildered as to why he wasn't promptly removed from his position. It was difficult to understand why there wasn't a more forceful response to his behavior.
Despite these reservations, I felt compelled to see the story through to its conclusion. I was eager to witness the fate of their daughter and whether Jules and Rosie found a sense of contentment. Nonetheless, the swift conclusion to the story felt rushed, particularly after the deliberate pacing throughout the majority of the book.
However, there were certain aspects of the story that left me perplexed. For instance, I found myself questioning the lack of vetting procedures for the program's staff and the absence of contractual safeguards to prevent the infiltration of individuals with bigoted views. Furthermore, I was troubled by the apparent exclusion of other segments of society, such as the trans and non-binary communities, which led me to ponder whether there were underlying TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) undertones, although I hope that is not the case.
The overwhelmingly negative portrayal of the "o-o" program left me unsettled, as I struggled to believe that the LGBTQ+ community wouldn't actively challenge this narrative. In reality, I anticipated a more robust response, with counter protests and advocacy for providing lesbian couples with additional choices. Additionally, the portrayal of the main characters, Jules and Rosie, was somewhat disheartening. Jules came across as domineering and irksome, while Rosie's characterisation left me feeling a lack of empathy or curiosity about her. She just seemed weak and dare I say it, boring. Given that the couple served as the focal point of the narrative, I had hoped to genuinely empathise with them; however, I found this to be challenging.
Furthermore, the characters' isolated existence, with minimal friends and support systems beyond a male friend of Rosie's, their parents, and a few of Jules' colleagues, seemed peculiar. I found myself questioning why they lacked a network of queer friends and a support system, especially considering that it would seemingly be a critical criterion for participants in the program. It struck me as implausible that LGBTQ+ couples would lack a circle of queer friends entirely.
My feelings about Jules' manager mirrored my other concerns. While I acknowledge that homophobia is unfortunately prevalent, the manager's reprehensible comments and discriminatory behavior, openly displayed in the workplace, left me bewildered as to why he wasn't promptly removed from his position. It was difficult to understand why there wasn't a more forceful response to his behavior.
Despite these reservations, I felt compelled to see the story through to its conclusion. I was eager to witness the fate of their daughter and whether Jules and Rosie found a sense of contentment. Nonetheless, the swift conclusion to the story felt rushed, particularly after the deliberate pacing throughout the majority of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Miscarriage, Misogyny, and Pregnancy
jmckeough's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
earth_person's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nemoisreadin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
teelep's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.75
diddy_shovel's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
1.0
I wanted to like this more than did. The premise is interesting and the themes discussed are so current and pressing, but the story itself was so so negative.
To start with, the book is filled with graphic homo/lesbophobia, often described in detail and in such unnecessary volume. Aside from making the book incredibly uncomfortable and upsetting (perhaps this was intentional?), it really distracted from basically everything else that happened.
It was also so hard to see how basically every single person and thing in the book was against Jules and Rosie. Almost noone supported them or showed solidarity, and those that did acted harmfully at some point. I know this is fiction, but surely people would be offering support on Twitter, or 1 neighbour would be nice to them or something?!?! It seemed like the entire hunan population is made up of raging homophobes, which made for a challenging read.In that regard, the ending was so disappointing. I had hoped the worm would turn a bit, but it was just like "we have to go into hiding on Crete and live with armed guards to be able to raise our child in safety."
Lastly, the story focuses on Jules and Rosie, but is only told through Jules's perspective. I thought that was a poor decision, as it means that we only really get an insight into her emotions and journey, which then makes it easier to see them as two separate individuals rather than a loving couple. Just really undercut the entire point of the story.
Overall, a challenging read that really plays into the trope of "queer characters exist for the sole purpose of struggling/facing adversity". As I say, I was interested by the themes and general issues the book raises, but it discusses them in such a heavy-handed way that I couldn't connect with the story.
To start with, the book is filled with graphic homo/lesbophobia, often described in detail and in such unnecessary volume. Aside from making the book incredibly uncomfortable and upsetting (perhaps this was intentional?), it really distracted from basically everything else that happened.
It was also so hard to see how basically every single person and thing in the book was against Jules and Rosie. Almost noone supported them or showed solidarity, and those that did acted harmfully at some point. I know this is fiction, but surely people would be offering support on Twitter, or 1 neighbour would be nice to them or something?!?! It seemed like the entire hunan population is made up of raging homophobes, which made for a challenging read.
Lastly, the story focuses on Jules and Rosie, but is only told through Jules's perspective. I thought that was a poor decision, as it means that we only really get an insight into her emotions and journey, which then makes it easier to see them as two separate individuals rather than a loving couple. Just really undercut the entire point of the story.
Overall, a challenging read that really plays into the trope of "queer characters exist for the sole purpose of struggling/facing adversity". As I say, I was interested by the themes and general issues the book raises, but it discusses them in such a heavy-handed way that I couldn't connect with the story.
flamepea's review against another edition
3.0
A very raw and emotional speculative fiction, I removed my initial review as my opinion has changed on this book. Angela Chadwick definitely has got expertise in writing realistic reactions to 'ovum-to-ovum' fertilisation in a negative matter but failed to provide the positive. Unfortunately, an exclusive book that fails to mention bisexual or pansexual women or trans women.