A review by eudoralynn
The Book of Flora by Meg Elison

challenging dark 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

5.0

I had mixed feelings when I started The Book of Flora, by Meg Elison. I loved The Book of the Unnamed Midwife and The Book of Etta, but I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Flora's story. I didn't care for Flora as I character in the Book of Etta, as Flora seemed to be heavily tied into the demise of Nowhere and the capture of Etta by the Lion. And even in the beginning of The Book of Flora, I didn't see redeaming qualities about Flora. She was a slave made into a slavers apprentice, all while being something that wasn't accepted at the time. 

This book, and notabley the whole series, focuses heavily on LGBTQIA+ rights, and trying to understand where you fit into in a world not meant for you. I was happy Etta/Eddy was able to finally end up with like-minded individuals after fighting for their own beliefs for so long. As for Connie, the living child of Flora, they were an incel of their time, and it was interesting to see the slippery slope that was only recognized after they were too programmed into their beliefs. 

I love the parallels between time periods, between before the Dying and after the Dying, on top of the ties into our current societal discourse regarding LGBTQIA+ rights, women's rights, and bodily autonomy. 

I'm updating my review. This series was a 5/5 for me, through and through. 

5/5.