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katykelly's review
4.0
A concept that you can't help but want to know more about - men and women can now share the responsibility, the joys, of looking after a baby in the womb, via a pouch that can be worn by either for nine months.
This simple concept brings us into contact with several characters - the first woman to bear a child via the pouch - Holly, and her granddaughter Rosie, about to give birth to a son herself, the third generation in the family to do so. Other characters involved in FullLife come to the fore - journalists looking at the pouch and its science, men and women connected to the company and pouches, and babies produced by it.
Is there a conspiracy? Is FullLife hiding something?
In a rather intriguing book (the NHS is dead, men take pouches to work with them), the well-created world has you entranced by the concept of the pouch. I really wanted to see it, to understand its mechanism.
I did wonder where it was all leading, though I enjoyed my journey through the world, I did get a little confused at times which story we were following, who was who. There were hints of mystery and intrigue, and though all was explained, I had thought it was heading in a different direction.
Definitely one that gives pause for thought, makes you reconsider your own views on parenting and gender. Some emotional scenes that may upset.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.
This simple concept brings us into contact with several characters - the first woman to bear a child via the pouch - Holly, and her granddaughter Rosie, about to give birth to a son herself, the third generation in the family to do so. Other characters involved in FullLife come to the fore - journalists looking at the pouch and its science, men and women connected to the company and pouches, and babies produced by it.
Is there a conspiracy? Is FullLife hiding something?
In a rather intriguing book (the NHS is dead, men take pouches to work with them), the well-created world has you entranced by the concept of the pouch. I really wanted to see it, to understand its mechanism.
I did wonder where it was all leading, though I enjoyed my journey through the world, I did get a little confused at times which story we were following, who was who. There were hints of mystery and intrigue, and though all was explained, I had thought it was heading in a different direction.
Definitely one that gives pause for thought, makes you reconsider your own views on parenting and gender. Some emotional scenes that may upset.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.
gingerellaj's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book as an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
The Growing Season is the story of a dystopian future where anyone can have a child -- male, female, fertile, infertile -- using a commercially available external pouch. I was intrigued by the idea of this, or more so the ethical conundrums it creates and how the author may present and/or tackle them. The plot focuses on many people who have had interactions with the pouch, whether that be being born as result of it, or being opposed to its introduction. Then things begin to go wrong and the science is called into question. Whilst I continued to find the concept interesting, I struggled a little bit with the story: I often felt distracted and not able to fully latch on (no pun intended) to what was happening to the characters, or to the characters themselves. I'm not sure whether that was because I'm quite science-focused and it was difficult firstly, to picture exactly how the pouch itself looks or feels. I cannot say that is because the author didn't do a good job of trying to explain that, just that I am visual learner and it was difficult to imagine such an unknown quantity. Secondly, my mind kept wondering back to the actual background science. That's not a distraction everyone will have though, admittedly. So in summary: great concept, I just didn't gel with this particular telling of it or the characters so much.
The Growing Season is the story of a dystopian future where anyone can have a child -- male, female, fertile, infertile -- using a commercially available external pouch. I was intrigued by the idea of this, or more so the ethical conundrums it creates and how the author may present and/or tackle them. The plot focuses on many people who have had interactions with the pouch, whether that be being born as result of it, or being opposed to its introduction. Then things begin to go wrong and the science is called into question. Whilst I continued to find the concept interesting, I struggled a little bit with the story: I often felt distracted and not able to fully latch on (no pun intended) to what was happening to the characters, or to the characters themselves. I'm not sure whether that was because I'm quite science-focused and it was difficult firstly, to picture exactly how the pouch itself looks or feels. I cannot say that is because the author didn't do a good job of trying to explain that, just that I am visual learner and it was difficult to imagine such an unknown quantity. Secondly, my mind kept wondering back to the actual background science. That's not a distraction everyone will have though, admittedly. So in summary: great concept, I just didn't gel with this particular telling of it or the characters so much.
rae_swabey's review against another edition
4.0
A compelling, thoughtful alternative history novel in which ectogenesis (growing babies outside the human body) is a contemporary reality. A multi-layered, multi-viewpoint exploration of the subject with an emotionally captivating plot and plenty of juicy themes.
I did feel on occasion that the politics were a bit brushed over (for example the relationship of the FullLife company with the NHS and the implications of that), but, as I say, there is much that is explored, in an interesting, non-dogmatic way.
I thought the characters were well drawn (and there are lots of them). I particularly liked Frieda and James Quentin, but I thought she captured well the emotional heart of most of them. Unfortunately, though, I thought the two ‘opposing’ viewpoints, as personified by Eva and Holly were a little unconvincing. Eva’s intellectual viewpoint particularly seemed a bit wishy-washy to me, which I felt slightly undermined the central conflict/journey. But there are moments in there of such brilliant observation and insight that I’m sure I’ll be living with these characters in my mind for a while.
I did feel on occasion that the politics were a bit brushed over (for example the relationship of the FullLife company with the NHS and the implications of that), but, as I say, there is much that is explored, in an interesting, non-dogmatic way.
I thought the characters were well drawn (and there are lots of them). I particularly liked Frieda and James Quentin, but I thought she captured well the emotional heart of most of them. Unfortunately, though, I thought the two ‘opposing’ viewpoints, as personified by Eva and Holly were a little unconvincing. Eva’s intellectual viewpoint particularly seemed a bit wishy-washy to me, which I felt slightly undermined the central conflict/journey. But there are moments in there of such brilliant observation and insight that I’m sure I’ll be living with these characters in my mind for a while.
rhalfie29's review against another edition
5.0
A fascinating futuristic exploration of what would happen if birth was democratised via technology. Told in a very warm, relatable way through the eyes of a number of different characters so you get different insights into the impact of this technology on the world - including embracers and refuseniks - the novel touches on the important topic of how scientific progress is assessed and evaluated for risk, how it's commercialised and the impact this has on our health - both individually and as a society / species. The writing is incredibly readable and the gentle elements of mystery / thriller threaded through added pace and kept me turning the pages until the end, which was satisfying without being overdramatic. A worthwhile thought experiment, recommended. Thanks to Netgalley & the publishers for the opportunity to read.
thegrandr's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
aidinia's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked the idea of the book, and the format.
I like sci-fi and feminism
I like sci-fi and feminism
lucyfinch's review against another edition
2.0
An interesting premise, I had high hopes for exploring a dystopia on par with Brave New World. I was disappointed with the (lack of) story however, as most of the novel covers backstory to some very 2-dimensional characters. We find the out the "issue" with the pouch about 1/3rd in, and the rest of the book drags along as the characters find out, while observing mundane things in their surroundings - e. g. from the final pages:
"Standing outside the Full Life birthing centre, Eva could tell that the front panel of glass had recently been replaced. There was a piece of cream-coloured tape still visible along one edge, the kind window fitters use to seal the glass against the frame during installation. She hoped that no one else had noticed it - she didn't want it to be removed."
Who cares? Not me.
"Standing outside the Full Life birthing centre, Eva could tell that the front panel of glass had recently been replaced. There was a piece of cream-coloured tape still visible along one edge, the kind window fitters use to seal the glass against the frame during installation. She hoped that no one else had noticed it - she didn't want it to be removed."
Who cares? Not me.
ailsareads's review against another edition
5.0
2018 is off to a great start with The Growing Season! A story set in an alternate modern-day UK where babies are grown in external pouches, removing one of the most fundamental inequalities between the sexes. The Growing Season tackles feminism and whether there really are fundamental differences between men and women, at the same time crafting a clever sci-fi novel, expertly researched and with the science so well explained even someone who got a 3 in their Standard Grade biology 14 years ago can understand. Helen Sedgwick was a physicist before becoming an author and she brings a fascinating depth of knowledge to her novels.
hollicane's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0