J P

I'm actually astounded by the amount of middling reviews on this book. Some people have lambasted it as misogynistic, some people have said it's a lazy cutting and pasting of masculine flaws into a feminine-led society and some people have criticised the characters. I wanna set some of those criticisms straight: 1. Books and art are meant to illicit a reaction. I've got the feeling most of the negative criticisms didn't finish the book because they found a part they disagreed with and didn't think too hard about why they found it so offensive beyond their knee-jerk reactions. To those I say give it another go and remember to be constantly thinking about the transference of power and why the author believes that similar gender-based crimes would exist in such a world. Allie's final chapter and the final email exchange says a great deal about the authors thoughts on the matter. 2. The book is a plot-driven piece of work. Does anyone criticise Haruki Murakami for consistency writing protagonists who have the depth and tensile strength of a wet sheet of A4? No. Because we enjoy the story through the character, and more attention drawn to how the character perceives the world gives us less opportunities to experience the world firsthand and to make our own opinions, not assess whether we agree with the characters conclusions. Certain chapters of the book (looking at Roxy and Allie) are character-driven sections that give us an opportunity to understand the thoughts of those very much involved with the making of the world. Others (Tunde in particular) are a bit thinner but because the story around them is what the author wants to focus on. He's a journalist chronicling the goings on ffs - ofc the focus is going to be less on him and more on the world around him. I was revetted. The book jumps straight into the action and you're left to helplessly watch the world become blind. The characters insights help us consider whether idealisation has ever been reached, as well as giving the reader a plethora of chances to consider what is just. It was at times an uncomfortable read as we watch power be grabbed at, stolen, twisted and corrupted and before all too long it becomes very clear that the nature of power is a merciless one. A fantastic read that I'll be ranting about for a long time to come.