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XX
- The Must-Read Feminist Dystopian Thriller
- Narrated by: Zara Ramm
- Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
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XX
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Summary
WINNER OF THE POLARI FIRST BOOK PRIZE 2019
FEATURED ON THE GUARDIAN'S BEST BOOKS OF 2018
How far would you go for a child of your own?
When Rosie and Jules discover a ground-breaking clinical trial that enables two women to have a female baby, they jump at the chance to make history.
Fear-mongering politicians and right-wing movements are quick to latch on to the controversies surrounding Ovum-to-Ovum (o-o) technology and stoke the fears of the public. What will happen to the numbers of little boys born? Is there a sinister conspiracy to eradicate men at play?
In this toxic political climate, Jules and Rosie try to hide their baby from scrutiny. But when the news of Rosie's pregnancy is leaked to the media, their relationship is put under a microscope and they're forced to question the loyalty of those closest to them, and battle against a tirade of hate that threatens to split them apart...
Longlisted for the Polari Prize
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Critic reviews
"Fantastic - completely topical, utterly believable, and that rare thing: an issue-driven book that feels like a story, not an issue." (Julie Cohen)
"One of the feminist novels of 2018." (Stylist)
"Handmaid's Tale-shaped hole in your life? Read XX." (The Times)
What listeners say about XX
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sarah
- 03-09-21
Thought provoking, sad, and hopeful
Well, I've read a few lesbian romances where the two protagonists dreamed of being able to have their own child, independent of any 3rd party. Its an understandable wish, totally taken for granted by heterosexual couples.
I really enjoyed (even though the MCs go through the ringer) the thought process of a world where science made it practically possible, but where the world's headspace wasn't as ready for the idea.
Like all pioneering science, society has to decide what it can cope with. The first test tube babies (now a routine procedure) were greeted with similar outcries as the all female conception in this story. The arguments for and against, brought up in this well researched and thoughtful book are often intentionally left unanswered. Time is left to tell.
This is told from the POV of a lesbian couple. So, naturally, its not anti gay, but what is first and foremost is what happens to normal people who are thrown into a hugely emotive issue with little preparation. All they want is a child, a simple wish. They get a huge ton of angst and trouble along with that.
A great concept! Well read, and not too harrowing! Xx
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