The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

I have been waiting for this for so long!!!!

And then, of course, I got an assignment for SLJ that I had to read and review first! 

So, I was finally able to sit and read this on our day off for Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day.  As I expected, I could not put it down.

I have been a huge fan of Kim Liggett's writing for a long time (I reviewed her previous books here).  So I pre-ordered this as soon as I could from Amazon.  It'll now be donated to the WHHS Library.  I am also thrilled to say Universal has optioned the rights, and it will be directed by Elizabeth Banks!

This has been tag-lined as a Lord of the Flies meets The Handmaid's Tale.  I would definitely agree.  I'd also add in the Salem Witch Trials/The Crucible. 

At the age of 16, girls in this society leave their town for a year at an island encampment. The day prior, boys of the same age and widowers may choose one of the girls as a wife, if she survives the year.  The purpose is to expel all the "magic" from the girls, so that they will be be proper wives/docile women.  In reality, it is to break their spirit.

I honestly do not want to spoil any more of this plot, because it is THAT
GOOD.  There are twists, turns, "holy [expletives]", and a roller coaster of emotions.  It's not a story of rainbows and sunshine. 

Although a very dark statement on the direction our lives might be taking, as was Offred's tale, it's also a reminder of the power of women working together.  They are a force for change and hope. 

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All opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of Mrs. W.