Vox by Christina Dalcher
Release Date: August 21st, 2018
Set in an America where half the population has been silenced, VOX is the harrowing, unforgettable story of what one woman will do to protect herself and her daughter.
On the day the government decrees that women are no longer allowed more than 100 words daily, Dr. Jean McClellan is in denial–this can’t happen here. Not in America. Not to her.
This is just the beginning.
Soon women can no longer hold jobs. Girls are no longer taught to read or write. Females no longer have a voice. Before, the average person spoke sixteen thousand words a day, but now women only have one hundred to make themselves heard.
But this is not the end.
For herself, her daughter, and every woman silenced, Jean will reclaim her voice.
The Writing
Christina Dalcher is obviously a talented writer, as you will see from the quotes that I will share later on. This is one of those books that you will not want to put down because the story flows so well and you will need to know what happens. Dalcher creates a word that is so claustrophobic that you as a reader physically feel it.
The Characters
There were characters that I thought were really dynamic and interesting, and characters I felt were flat. I thought it was interesting to be in the head of our main character, Jean, and seeing her navigate the situation she was in was definitely compelling. I also enjoy her colleagues! I wish we had a better understanding of her husband and her son. As much as I enjoyed Jean, I disagreed with some decisions she made that I won’t share because it would be a spoiler. I wish there was a moment where she had more conflicting feelings about what she was doing!
The Story
The plot of this book is what intrigued me the most! The average woman speaks more than 20,000 words a day, and in this book they are only allowed 100 words. I felt so claustrophobic and frustrated just reading this book! I can not remember a time where the plot of a book made me so angry. I could not imagine what it would be like if I were every actually in that situation. This is one of those books that will make you extremely uncomfortable, and that is it’s purpose. It is very effective!
The Ending
I have mixed feelings about the ending! It seemed to wrap up too quickly and in a way that I felt was too neat and a little too far-fetched.
“One thing I learned from Jackie: you can’t protest what you don’t see coming.”
“There’s a resistance?” The word sounds sweet as I say it.
“Honey, there’s always a resistance.”
“My fault started two decades ago, the first time I didn’t vote, the umpteen times I told Jackie I was too busy to go on one of her marches or make posters or call my congressmen.”
Vox is an interesting novel and I am glad that I read it. Just sitting here typing this review and thinking about the story is making my blood boil! I think that is a huge credit to Christina Dalcher’s writing. Even though there were things I would change about the ending, I still enjoyed the journey. This book is extremely political, so if that isn’t your thing than I would avoid this one. Vox is most definitely a book for people who enjoyed The Handmaid’s Tale.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy of Vox in exchange for an honest review.
Ahoy there matey. I be glad ye enjoyed this one more than I did. It irked me. I did enjoy readin’ yer viewpoint though. Arrr!
x The Captain
Oh I definitely understand why this book would not work for everyone! Thank you!
This sounds like something I would love! Great review 🙂
It is really an intense read! Thank you!
I’m looking forward to this one. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I hope you enjoy it! It is such a frustrating book but in a good way?
I really want to read this book! Especially since it feels like in our current climate, it’s difficult for women’s voices to be heard and it seems that this book reflects that struggle. Great review ! 🙂
Thank you! It is definitely relevant to what is going on in the world today. Maybe it even hits a little to close to home. Not a book I would recommend if you are looking for an escape that is for sure!
Fantastic review! I loved this one, as well. Definitely not a soothing read, but a good one!
Thank you! That is for sure!
I’m intrigued by this one – the premise is really interesting. Great review 😊
It is definitely an interesting book! Thank you!
Great review. Does seem like your thoughts were pretty similar to mine. I found it incredibly readable although claustrophobic is a brilliant way to describe it. I honestly couldn’t function if I was only allowed 100 words 😀
Thank you! Me either! Just the thought of it stresses me out!
That’s a great review! I have received a copy of this book but haven’t read it yet. But I could tell that it would be a very uncomfortable read. But, I am always in for intense reads 💜
Thank you! I am curious to see what you think about it!! It is definitely intense!
Great review! This book sounds so interesting!! I really “enjoyed” (can you say that about a book that makes you angry?) The Handmaid’s Tale, so maybe I’ll add this one to my TBR!
Thank you! That is exactly how I felt about this book. I think you would “enjoy” this one as well!
Great review! 😉 How about featuring you in my new releases and reviews post? 😊 I’ll add a link to this post in mine, if you say yes. ☺️
Thank you! That would be amazing!😀
Just waiting for my copy to arrive at the library!
Awesome! Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Great review. I saw this book pop up on goodreads last week and had been wonde about it.
Thank you! It’s an intense read but I definitely think it is worth looking in to!
This one is really high on my list! <3
Great review 🙂
Thank you! It’s definitely worth the read!