Scan barcode
A review by sweetpavement
Deliver Me by Kate Jarvik Birch
4.0
I found this short novel to be an interesting riff on the dystopian genre. It reminded me in many ways of [b:The Handmaid's Tale|38447|The Handmaid's Tale|Margaret Atwood|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1294702760s/38447.jpg|1119185] viewed through the eyes of someone other than a Handmaid. (Disclaimer: Handmaid's tale is in my top five books of all time, and I reread it once a year!)
The protagonist in this book was well defined and an actual strong woman character. Not strong because she had to "fight," but because there was a full characterization with emotions and motivations that really allowed you to slip into her skin. I was scared when she was scared and hopeful when she was hopeful.
The book's focus on reproductive rights was wonderful, it really allowed you to consider the issue without jamming an opinion down your throat. I really appreciated that it handled the concepts of bodily autonomy and relationships in a way that is appropriate for the YA genre without dumbing them down or removing the power of talking about them. In addition, the book did everything it could not to vilify mothers, but rather the oppressive society surrounding them. (I can't really say more without spoiling the plot.)
I also really enjoyed that rather than being about a girl and her love interest, this was the story of two young women who are best friends, and how their lives in an oppressive regime affect that friendship...and how that friendship affects their lives. While there is a young man introduced at one point in the story, he's not the "love interest" and there's no sense that the story is lacking without one. It feels full and complete while focusing on these two women.
If you're into feminist dystopian novels, this may be a good summer read for you. It's not too heavy and reads fast, but will leave you with lots to think about. I hope Ms. Birch gives us another novel set in the world of the Union. (I also wish Goodreads would let us give half stars.)
The protagonist in this book was well defined and an actual strong woman character. Not strong because she had to "fight," but because there was a full characterization with emotions and motivations that really allowed you to slip into her skin. I was scared when she was scared and hopeful when she was hopeful.
The book's focus on reproductive rights was wonderful, it really allowed you to consider the issue without jamming an opinion down your throat. I really appreciated that it handled the concepts of bodily autonomy and relationships in a way that is appropriate for the YA genre without dumbing them down or removing the power of talking about them. In addition, the book did everything it could not to vilify mothers, but rather the oppressive society surrounding them. (I can't really say more without spoiling the plot.)
I also really enjoyed that rather than being about a girl and her love interest, this was the story of two young women who are best friends, and how their lives in an oppressive regime affect that friendship...and how that friendship affects their lives. While there is a young man introduced at one point in the story, he's not the "love interest" and there's no sense that the story is lacking without one. It feels full and complete while focusing on these two women.
If you're into feminist dystopian novels, this may be a good summer read for you. It's not too heavy and reads fast, but will leave you with lots to think about. I hope Ms. Birch gives us another novel set in the world of the Union. (I also wish Goodreads would let us give half stars.)