Unwind

Title: Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Series: Unwind Dystology #1
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult
Format: Paperback
Pages: 335
Reason Read: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

I had heard nothing about UNWIND before going into the story. All I knew was that it was a dystopian set in the future where the pro-life / pro-choice war had been fought and “settled.” In reading it, I was forced to think about a very radical approach to a very unlikely outcome to a war between pro-life and pro-choice supporters. Sadly, I could see some parents actually unwinding their children, especially for profit and if they were fed the right mumbo jumbo or propaganda about it. But, I couldn’t see the “Bill of Life” actually passing. I don’t think, at least I hope, anyone would let something as drastic as this become law. For the sake of the story, I was able to get passed this and still enjoy the book for was it was.

What I liked about it is that it’s written in different third-person limited perspectives, mainly from the three protagonists–Connor, Risa, and Lev. Every now and then, however, another perspective is inserted and I found theirs the most interesting. While I grew to like the main three, Connor and Risa more than Lev, their perspectives were what I would expect from someone in their situations. The others, however, weren’t expected and it gave an insight to other things going on in this world. It helped fill in the gaps where Connor, Risa, and Lev couldn’t.

I’m glad I read this and I thought it was a very interesting take on abortion and the pro-life / pro-choice debate. I’m mildly curious about UNWHOLLY, but this one ended with a resolved enough ending that I’m not chomping at the bit to find out how the story continues / resolves.