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A review by annabarnardwright
XX by Angela Chadwick
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The concept of this book is really interesting, it’s about the world’s first pregnancy with two biological mothers. It felt very realistic rather than dystopian and I can definitely imagine a real life situation playing out similarly.
The plot is basically just about the media reaction to a two mother baby. Rosie and Jules are hounded by the press after their names are leaked and there’s a hate campaign against them. I found it strange that literally everyone is against them though. It’s believable that the Daily Mail and the far right would react in this way in real life but I know there would be plenty of vocal supporters too.
It’s a slow burner and felt as if I was reading it in real time, nothing particularly exciting happens and there’s a lot of mundane filler - I think it could’ve easily been 100 pages shorter. The plot about Jules’ dad felt a bit random and unexplored and I would’ve liked some more detail about the immediate aftermath of the birth.
Overall this was an interesting read and I enjoyed it.
The plot is basically just about the media reaction to a two mother baby. Rosie and Jules are hounded by the press after their names are leaked and there’s a hate campaign against them. I found it strange that literally everyone is against them though. It’s believable that the Daily Mail and the far right would react in this way in real life but I know there would be plenty of vocal supporters too.
It’s a slow burner and felt as if I was reading it in real time, nothing particularly exciting happens and there’s a lot of mundane filler - I think it could’ve easily been 100 pages shorter. The plot about Jules’ dad felt a bit random and unexplored and I would’ve liked some more detail about the immediate aftermath of the birth.
Overall this was an interesting read and I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Miscarriage, and Misogyny
Minor: Child abuse and Death of parent