Reviews

Dark Lullaby by Polly Ho-Yen

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alongreader's review against another edition

4.0

Infertility isn't often thought of as world ending, but it definitely should be. In Dark Lullaby, infertility has risen to over 98%. There are various explanations bandied about, but no one seems sure exactly what's happened. All they know is that for women to give birth, they have to go through a regimen of drugs that are as likely to kill them as help them; if they do fall pregnant, they are supervised literally every step of the way; assuming they make it to birth, their child still might be taken away from them. OSIP, the government body concerned with protecting children, have absolute powers and can take children away at any time for any reason.
This story is set in two timelines, 'now' and 'then'. I'm not very clear on how long the gap between them is; there's no times attached to either of them. All we know is that a child who was a baby 'then' is still a child, probably under ten, 'now'.

I don't really like stories that jump timelines, partly because it's harder to follow and partly because I get involved with one storyline and then have to leave it. However, after a while with this one I didn't have any problem following it. (I was still getting involved with a storyline, but that's probably a good sign.)

The ending was kind of a downer, but that's true of Handmaid's, too, and honestly I'm not sure how else it could have ended. Everything was always going to get to the point it's at.

It's a good, slightly depressing but really interesting read. I'm glad I stuck it out past the initial uncertainty because it really did pick up after a while.

meganlee3001's review against another edition

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4.0

If you like the Handmaid's Tale or Vox, this is the book for you. In fact, if you're a fan of dystopia in general, this is your book.

I loved the premise of this book, worldwide infertility leading to an almost "big brother" style of monitoring parents? Sounds interesting to me!

I think the author followed through with the plot so well, I loved the family dynamics. I felt the effects of the monitoring system was showcased really well especially with Evie.

I loved the characters, who each in their own way had something to offer the story.

I think the book was well paced and my only criticism would be that it was almost too well paced, the reveal at the end seemed to come along in it's own time and I didn't have that "edge of my seat" feeling.

In saying that, I still really enjoyed this. I looked forward to picking it up and I would love to read more stories from the characters set in this world.

4.5 stars for me!

This book is out now!

Thanks to Titan Books, Polly Yo-Hen and NetGalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

brebee2010's review against another edition

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4.0

Got this as a “blind date” book from Barnes and Noble. It didn’t disappoint, but it definitely isn’t a book I’d want to read while pregnant or shortly after having a baby. I really connected with Evie and her struggles with motherhood and caring for her child.