Reviews

Outlawed by Anna North

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ellieb73's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

schiro_linds's review against another edition

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2.0

Well, I finished it! “Outlawed” had so much potential, from the beautiful, eye-catching cover, to the glittering promise of empowered queer characters in the wild west. Unfortunately, it did not quite deliver. The pacing makes it an easy read, but the story itself is pretty standard and full of plot holes. Representation seems to go only as far as the white, cis narrator is comfortable with and the primary focus is on the barren womb. While I can suspend my expectations in this area in light of the times this character might have lived in, I cannot suspend my expectations for a book whose claim to fame is feminism and representation. The main character is rather unlikable, and unable to come to terms with the fact that she is barren and that she is still a woman despite this. Self-descriptions are derogatory for her, and many other barren characters in the book, and it seems more victimizing than empowering. And although the book does allude often to sexuality and gender differences, the narrator seems all but indifferent to it, occasionally throwing in ignorant commentary that is never expanded on in a thoughtful way. Representation of race is not particularly in-depth either, and when a conflict occurs based on it, no in-depth or satisfying commentary or critical reflection is mentioned. Uncalled for internal commentary on genitalia and white saviorism definitely pop up a few times, and Ada, the main character, is never forced to reflect on or correct them.

Overall, “Outlawed” is about a cis, straight woman who is discriminated against because of her barren womb and she becomes obsessed with finding out why such a phenomenon exists. This central idea is interesting, except that it not only seems to be her only motivation, but also seems to be in large part due to her shame about it. Other critics are right when they say that the other characters simply feel like a plot tool for the main character to advance in the story. The writing is easy to follow, if sometimes a bit underwhelming. I am not left satisfied or changed after reading this book, merely just a bit disappointed. This book is not all that it thinks it is. :/