Review: The Grace Year

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Rating: ★★★★½

I received an ARC of this book for free from The Book Drop. Since I received an ARC, my quotes from the book are tentative. 

Omg this was a roller coaster of a book. 

This book is described as The Handmaid’s Tale meets Lord of the Flies. I haven’t read The Handmaid’s Tale but I loved Lord of the Flies. This was definitely like a female Lord of the Flies. In fact, it was 100 times more terrifying and disturbing than LotF. This book also reminded me a little of Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill because it also featured a sexist dystopian world. 

I don’t want to give too much away, so all I’ll say about the plot is that it is filled with non-stop action and intrigue, which makes it a fast read. You’ll be flipping through it trying to find out what happens next. You definitely won’t be bored. 

The writing style is also incredible. It’s hauntingly beautiful which perfectly captures the mood of the book. 

There was one quote in particular that really spoke to me. At one point, the main character states,

“We hurt each other because it’s the only way we’re permitted to show our anger. When our choices are taken from us, the fire builds within. Sometimes I feel like we might burn down the world to cindery bits, with our love, our rage, and everything in between”

pg. 345

I find this quote to be so reflective of our own society. In general, the themes behind this book are so prevalent in today’s world. 

Overall, this is an amazing and timely dystopian novel.