Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
368 Pages
Synopsis: Five women. One question. What is a woman for?
In this ferociously imaginative novel, abortion is once again illegal in America, in-vitro fertilization is banned, and the Personhood Amendment grants rights of life, liberty, and property to every embryo. In a small Oregon fishing town, five very different women navigate these new barriers alongside age-old questions surrounding motherhood, identity, and freedom.
Ro, a single high-school teacher, is trying to have a baby on her own, while also writing a biography of Eivor, a little-known 19th-century female polar explorer. Susan is a frustrated mother of two, trapped in a crumbling marriage. Mattie is the adopted daughter of doting parents and one of Ro’s best students, who finds herself pregnant with nowhere to fan. And Gin is the gifted, forest-dwelling homeopath, or “mender,” who brings all their fates together when she’s arrested and put on trial in a frenzied modern-day witch hunt.
Red Clocks is so eerily similar to our world that it’s a bit scary. There’s no one cataclysmic event behind the “Personhood Amendment”. What allows this bill to be passed is a pro-life government and apathetic citizens who think this will never happen. Do you see any similarities? Are you starting to squirm yet?
This thought-provoking novel focuses on the lives of four women in a small Oregon town, whose lives converge in unexpected ways. Ro, the Biographer is desperate to have a child. Susan, the Wife wants to escape her failing marriage. Mattie, the Daughter wants to attend the Math Academy. And finally, Gin, the Mender, who provides medicinal herbs to women who have gynecological problems. She also helps those looking to have abortions. While I identified the most with the Biographer and the Mender, all the women are well-rounded and relatable. Like all of us they are flawed, yet filled with positive traits such as generosity, strength, and love.
The story itself doesn’t just explore the controversial topic of abortion. It thoroughly peels back the numerous layers of how a law like this would effect everyone’s lives. It’s suspenseful and mesmerizing, and I read it in two sittings because I simply found it impossible to put down. The only reason I’m not giving this a perfect 5 stars is because I thought the first few chapters a little disjointed. But this quickly smoothes out and I wound up loving the author’s writing style.
Red Clocks true message is abundantly clear: Every woman should have the right to choose her own path in life. If I were to classify the novel I’d put it in the speculative fiction or dystopian genres, but because of what’s happening in the world right now, it also reads a bit like a horror story. Red Clocks shows us a reality that is potentially right around the corner, and that scares the hell out of me. I would recommend this to everyone, especially if you’re a fan of The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood. It’s a perfect choice for book discussion groups, and it’s a read that I guarantee you won’t forget any time soon.
Beware Of The Reader said:
WOW it seems really interesting and insightful! Excellent review Kim and … a little bit frightening in its concept!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is truly frightening Sophie because you can see it happening if we keep going down the path we’re on.😒
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ItsGoodToRead said:
Ah I missed this one!! I’m in the middle of a LOAD of dystopian-type books (some guys have all the fun, right??) and this sounds a must-have!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I really can’t recommend this one enough!😊
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beetleypete said:
An unusual idea, and a powerful theme too.
Sounds like one of the better ones of late, Kim.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s definitely one I won’t forget anytime soon Pete.
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fragglerocking said:
Ok I’m in. Haven’t read or seen the handmade tale thing, but I’m definitely up for this one.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d love to know what you think if you read it Fraggle.😊
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fragglerocking said:
Will let you know!
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metanoiainacup said:
Loved reading your review. I am interested in this book now!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s fantastic! I honestly think this is one of those books that everyone should read!🤗
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cupcakesandmachetes said:
I definitely want to read this.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yes!🤜🏻🤛🏻
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mrericness said:
Glad to see a positive review of this! I’ve been eyeing this one for my reading list.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know some reviewers haven’t liked the writing style, but I think this is a case of personal taste.
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Samantha Duffy said:
This is one of my book of the month choices that I just have not gotten around to. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, your review is making me want to pick it up even more!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank Samantha. I’d love to know what you think when you read it.
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raistlin0903 said:
Whoa that’s a very unusual subject. And very frightening to say the least. I always like it when a book takes on a subject that is something that could become a reality. It gives me the chills…but in a good way. Definitely adding this one to that endless to be read list of mine 😀😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I recommended it to you on Goodreads Michel, because I think you might really be intrigued by this.🤗
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raistlin0903 said:
Thank you…I’m pretty sure that I am going to enjoy this one 😀😀
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Carrie said:
Sounds like a book to really get people thinking, perfect timing for something like this.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’d like this one Carrie.
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Carrie said:
Yes, I like ones that make you think no matter what side of the debate you may be. 🙂
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
Great Review, Kim! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Raven.🤗
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Fantastic Review, Kim! I love the sound of this one!😍🤗 This sounds so interesting and your review makes it even more intriguing!!!💙💛💖💚💜📚📚📚😍🤗
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Dani. I really think you’d like this one.🤗
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
You’re welcome, Kim and sounds like I would for sure!💙💛💙💛
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😙
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
🤗😍😙
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mlbradford said:
“Science fiction is all about UFOs and alien worlds; speculative fiction could really happen” – Margaret Atwood.
Thanks for another great Review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Brad. Great quote!😊
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