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Escape From Enlightenment: Marley's Journey
Have you ever imagined a society in which being gay was normal, and heteros cowered in the closets?
Marley is a teenage girl in a post-World War III North America, where women have created a new, enlightened society. Boys and fertile breeder males are kept in camps, where their propensity for violence can never again hurt women or start wars. Women go to Reproduction Centers to have their eggs fertilized and brought to term in artificial wombs. Developing babies are hormonally influenced to have the same-sex attraction that keeps everyone content and happy in their segregated society. Heterosexual attraction is the gateway through which men could regain their destructive power, and is now considered an abhorrent lust.
At fourteen, Marley is worried about her lack of attraction to other girls. Then she meets Maddy, a girl from a barely-tolerated subculture that believes in modest dress, saving sex for marriage, and birthing babies naturally. She may be in love with Maddy. But should she tell Maddy that she secretly looks at boys online, and can’t stop thinking about them?
Or should she follow subversive rumors about an underground network that smuggles heteros away to an island where they are free to love their own way?
Marley is a teenage girl in a post-World War III North America, where women have created a new, enlightened society. Boys and fertile breeder males are kept in camps, where their propensity for violence can never again hurt women or start wars. Women go to Reproduction Centers to have their eggs fertilized and brought to term in artificial wombs. Developing babies are hormonally influenced to have the same-sex attraction that keeps everyone content and happy in their segregated society. Heterosexual attraction is the gateway through which men could regain their destructive power, and is now considered an abhorrent lust.
At fourteen, Marley is worried about her lack of attraction to other girls. Then she meets Maddy, a girl from a barely-tolerated subculture that believes in modest dress, saving sex for marriage, and birthing babies naturally. She may be in love with Maddy. But should she tell Maddy that she secretly looks at boys online, and can’t stop thinking about them?
Or should she follow subversive rumors about an underground network that smuggles heteros away to an island where they are free to love their own way?
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2016
4 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 18, 2020
Regardless of however many stars I end up giving this book, the actual rating is "It's complicated". I read this book not because it looked like something I would love but out of curiosity around how it would approach the central premise of the world. Because of that, I don't know that it's fair to use my rating to judge how anyone else reading it would feel. That complicated situation also means I have to write an actual detailed review even though I don't really want to.
So here you go.
I want to get the good out here first, because the bad is way more interesting for me to write about and so it's going to feel like there's way more of it. The good is that I hardly put the book down while I was reading it, which is not always the case. It kept my attention the whole time and was an easy read, and while that's not a specific narrow thing I can go into detail about it's important to enjoying reading.
Now for some neutral or negative stuff, which as I said is easier for me to talk in detail about even though it's pretty well balanced with the good stuff.
1.) The main thing that bothered me is actually the premise. The idea is that in the future after the third world war a Fox News caricature of a feminist convinces everyone to establish a strict matriarchy where men are segregated into camps and upon reaching adulthood they either go to a breeding facility or are castrated (and possibly also altered in other ways) so they are safe to have around women. Everyone is artificially adjusted to be homosexual so the men can stay with the men and women can stay with the women, and heterosexuals are persecuted.
If I had no other information about the book, I would assume that it was written by an anti-feminist homophobe. I would picture some angry dude ranting about how the feminazis and gay rights people want to destroy America, etc. etc., and writing about this dystopia where men and straight people are persecuted because that's how he thinks things are going in the real world.
And that's not what's going on here.
The book isn't anti-feminist or homophobic at all, which on the one hand allowed me to enjoy it. On the other hand, books don't exist in a vacuum and speculative fiction is so often used as social commentary and satire that I couldn't help waiting for the other shoe to drop and looking for what the political message was. In the end, I really didn't see one. In a generic fantasy or sci-fi setting you can get away with that, but in a novel like this one it's actually distracting to *not* have some relatively overt commentary. I know, that's a really odd criticism.
2.) The writing isn't bad, but I wasn't crazy about the style. Information is given in short bursts that make it feel a bit like a list of events and information rather than a naturally flowing story. As I said, I stayed engaged in the book and read through it without any problem so this is minor. I only mention it because...
3.) The overall structure has a similar thing going on. Things happen, people react, but there's not the feeling of a coherent main plot arc. Just to give one example, while there is an antagonist in the book other than society at large, this antagonist doesn't really interact with the main protagonists (the book mentions some interactions, but doesn't actually show them) and there's no direct conflict between them. They briefly run into each other without the protagonists even knowing who the antagonist is, do nothing at all and have zero tension, and then split up again. Likewise, at the end of the book it feels like you simply run out of chapters. Since there's not a clear climax to the novel and the main characters are in essentially the same situation at the end as they were for most of the book it's not really satisfying.
4.) Which reminds me, I'm fine with things being set up as a series but I'm not crazy about books ending on a flat out "to be continued" note. Especially the first in a new series.
5.) It's possible I missed something, but I don't understand the global situation. Everything focuses on North America, and the rest of the world is ignored. Is it a toxic wasteland? Are there other civilizations out there? If there are, are all of them run by straw feminist hterophobes? Because the whole plan for escaping society's persecution involves moving to some boats in the ocean. This seems like a really shaky plan. Big floating colonies are easy to find, easy to sink, and hard to maintain. Why not just hang a left at Alaska and go to Asia?
Also, minor nitpicky side note: It's hundreds of years in the future and we're still reading actual paper newspapers and using regular helicopters and making references to Weebles? Just seems odd.
6.) Your mileage may vary, but I felt kinda gross reading the sex scenes between minors.
To summarize: Not a bad book, easy to read and generally engaging. If it sounds like something you would enjoy go for it (especially as it's currently free on Kindle Unlimited) but be prepared for some parts of it to be a little off.
So here you go.
I want to get the good out here first, because the bad is way more interesting for me to write about and so it's going to feel like there's way more of it. The good is that I hardly put the book down while I was reading it, which is not always the case. It kept my attention the whole time and was an easy read, and while that's not a specific narrow thing I can go into detail about it's important to enjoying reading.
Now for some neutral or negative stuff, which as I said is easier for me to talk in detail about even though it's pretty well balanced with the good stuff.
1.) The main thing that bothered me is actually the premise. The idea is that in the future after the third world war a Fox News caricature of a feminist convinces everyone to establish a strict matriarchy where men are segregated into camps and upon reaching adulthood they either go to a breeding facility or are castrated (and possibly also altered in other ways) so they are safe to have around women. Everyone is artificially adjusted to be homosexual so the men can stay with the men and women can stay with the women, and heterosexuals are persecuted.
If I had no other information about the book, I would assume that it was written by an anti-feminist homophobe. I would picture some angry dude ranting about how the feminazis and gay rights people want to destroy America, etc. etc., and writing about this dystopia where men and straight people are persecuted because that's how he thinks things are going in the real world.
And that's not what's going on here.
The book isn't anti-feminist or homophobic at all, which on the one hand allowed me to enjoy it. On the other hand, books don't exist in a vacuum and speculative fiction is so often used as social commentary and satire that I couldn't help waiting for the other shoe to drop and looking for what the political message was. In the end, I really didn't see one. In a generic fantasy or sci-fi setting you can get away with that, but in a novel like this one it's actually distracting to *not* have some relatively overt commentary. I know, that's a really odd criticism.
2.) The writing isn't bad, but I wasn't crazy about the style. Information is given in short bursts that make it feel a bit like a list of events and information rather than a naturally flowing story. As I said, I stayed engaged in the book and read through it without any problem so this is minor. I only mention it because...
3.) The overall structure has a similar thing going on. Things happen, people react, but there's not the feeling of a coherent main plot arc. Just to give one example, while there is an antagonist in the book other than society at large, this antagonist doesn't really interact with the main protagonists (the book mentions some interactions, but doesn't actually show them) and there's no direct conflict between them. They briefly run into each other without the protagonists even knowing who the antagonist is, do nothing at all and have zero tension, and then split up again. Likewise, at the end of the book it feels like you simply run out of chapters. Since there's not a clear climax to the novel and the main characters are in essentially the same situation at the end as they were for most of the book it's not really satisfying.
4.) Which reminds me, I'm fine with things being set up as a series but I'm not crazy about books ending on a flat out "to be continued" note. Especially the first in a new series.
5.) It's possible I missed something, but I don't understand the global situation. Everything focuses on North America, and the rest of the world is ignored. Is it a toxic wasteland? Are there other civilizations out there? If there are, are all of them run by straw feminist hterophobes? Because the whole plan for escaping society's persecution involves moving to some boats in the ocean. This seems like a really shaky plan. Big floating colonies are easy to find, easy to sink, and hard to maintain. Why not just hang a left at Alaska and go to Asia?
Also, minor nitpicky side note: It's hundreds of years in the future and we're still reading actual paper newspapers and using regular helicopters and making references to Weebles? Just seems odd.
6.) Your mileage may vary, but I felt kinda gross reading the sex scenes between minors.
To summarize: Not a bad book, easy to read and generally engaging. If it sounds like something you would enjoy go for it (especially as it's currently free on Kindle Unlimited) but be prepared for some parts of it to be a little off.
June 3, 2017
It's difficult for me to properly express why I didn't like the book. I guess it mainly has to do with my difficulty to really get into the philosophy behind the world created. I feel strongly about feminism and its importance in today's society but this is not where I see is heading. I have no problem with science fiction or dystopian worlds in the 23rd century but I think what's missing here is the humanism or the fight for it. So this is a very subjective criticism.
I also found the change between then and now a bit difficult to follow. It's just something I personally find distracting. Sometimes it works, most often it doesn't.
I'm a bit sad I didn't really get into the book because I found the idea intriguing. But what can you do?
I also found the change between then and now a bit difficult to follow. It's just something I personally find distracting. Sometimes it works, most often it doesn't.
I'm a bit sad I didn't really get into the book because I found the idea intriguing. But what can you do?
July 21, 2017
Fascinating read. An intriguing idea well-executed.
October 19, 2018
Great story
I really enjoyed the novel ideas in this book. It's a very different when to the one we live in now but it's really just the same.
I really enjoyed the novel ideas in this book. It's a very different when to the one we live in now but it's really just the same.
July 3, 2016
“Oh, if women ruled the world”, begins the popular muse, often followed by either an idealistic conclusion or a trite triviality involving cats or chocolate. Most take to heart that such a society would be epitome of compassion and benevolence. Not Tessa Rose…..
Tessa brings us into a unique future setting, for a tale invoking this very theme, and does an outstanding job of it for a first-time novelist.
She paints an idyllic, sparkling utopia, of moving sidewalks and magnetic roads, enhanced by the intellect and physical beauty of the populace. Happiness and material goods are plentiful, all are free to undertake intellectual pursuits. But the new norms are set – and everyone has two mommies (or “Mamas”, as is the parlance of this future). Men are either banished to “the camps”, actually peaceful, natural enclaves with perimeters guarded by lethal force, or approved for hormone therapy to transition to the subservient cuckolds known as “yunies”. Male aggression has been subdued.
Our main character Marley attends school, taken care of by her Mama Sue. She one day finds herself in love with a new student named Maddy.
But, as we move forward, we see that the pursuit of happiness is not as we’d imagine. And Tessa demonstrates this effectively, not through sweeping generalities, but through the growth, interactions and tribulations of her characters. Maddie, with all her material needs filled, is forbidden to fulfill her desires for a man, as heterosexual contact is stigmatized and punished. Pornography is criminalized. With test-tube birth now the norm, we see “Naturals”, advocates of “body-ruining” natural birth and traditional values, marginalized (though amazingly, tolerated). Maddy and her Mama Lara are Naturals. Surveillance is everywhere. And we hear of unfortunate characters’ life savings and freedom stolen by the Femi-State for the criminal act of subversive language.
Tessa’s most intriguing literary device is the use of speech excerpts from fictional historical characters, which document the 200-year history which led up from “our time” to the book’s future. The quotes, which appear at the beginning of each chapter, serve as a chilling counterpart to the active story at hand, and are sourced from both creators and resistors of this dystopian society.
The story truly hits its mark when Marley and Maddy escape to find their peace. They jump from safe-house to safe-house, in the care of cunning, brave people who risk their own well-being to save others. We see the State’s true colors from here on. Facing adversity from both the police and fellow freedom-seekers, they travel the hard road, in pursuit of their island in the Pacific, with a simple dream- to be together.
Tessa brings us into a unique future setting, for a tale invoking this very theme, and does an outstanding job of it for a first-time novelist.
She paints an idyllic, sparkling utopia, of moving sidewalks and magnetic roads, enhanced by the intellect and physical beauty of the populace. Happiness and material goods are plentiful, all are free to undertake intellectual pursuits. But the new norms are set – and everyone has two mommies (or “Mamas”, as is the parlance of this future). Men are either banished to “the camps”, actually peaceful, natural enclaves with perimeters guarded by lethal force, or approved for hormone therapy to transition to the subservient cuckolds known as “yunies”. Male aggression has been subdued.
Our main character Marley attends school, taken care of by her Mama Sue. She one day finds herself in love with a new student named Maddy.
But, as we move forward, we see that the pursuit of happiness is not as we’d imagine. And Tessa demonstrates this effectively, not through sweeping generalities, but through the growth, interactions and tribulations of her characters. Maddie, with all her material needs filled, is forbidden to fulfill her desires for a man, as heterosexual contact is stigmatized and punished. Pornography is criminalized. With test-tube birth now the norm, we see “Naturals”, advocates of “body-ruining” natural birth and traditional values, marginalized (though amazingly, tolerated). Maddy and her Mama Lara are Naturals. Surveillance is everywhere. And we hear of unfortunate characters’ life savings and freedom stolen by the Femi-State for the criminal act of subversive language.
Tessa’s most intriguing literary device is the use of speech excerpts from fictional historical characters, which document the 200-year history which led up from “our time” to the book’s future. The quotes, which appear at the beginning of each chapter, serve as a chilling counterpart to the active story at hand, and are sourced from both creators and resistors of this dystopian society.
The story truly hits its mark when Marley and Maddy escape to find their peace. They jump from safe-house to safe-house, in the care of cunning, brave people who risk their own well-being to save others. We see the State’s true colors from here on. Facing adversity from both the police and fellow freedom-seekers, they travel the hard road, in pursuit of their island in the Pacific, with a simple dream- to be together.
November 14, 2016
A tale of fiction with a very real message.
That message is: be careful what you believe. Question what you've been taught - especially if it doesn't resonate with the intelligence that lives within you.
Humans seem to lack understanding of how group thought works. How popular it is. How engineered it is - and how dangerous it can be.
Give an idea enough time to marinate through generations and what you have is an entire movement. One that may not be based in truth. One that could create a lot of harm - even if it's packaged as helpful, spiritual or true.
I say these things because it's the underlying message in this fantastic tale. Not only was I entertained by Tessa's brilliant writing (I only wish I had the skills and talent to craft up a fictional story as creative as this one), but she made this a thought-provoking piece. One that makes you sit back and ask - "Is this sort of thing possible?"
Read this book. Be entertained.
And question things. Keep an open mind. We need open minded people. Those who will follow their gut instead of the crowd.
I can't wait for the follow-up.
Excellent work.
That message is: be careful what you believe. Question what you've been taught - especially if it doesn't resonate with the intelligence that lives within you.
Humans seem to lack understanding of how group thought works. How popular it is. How engineered it is - and how dangerous it can be.
Give an idea enough time to marinate through generations and what you have is an entire movement. One that may not be based in truth. One that could create a lot of harm - even if it's packaged as helpful, spiritual or true.
I say these things because it's the underlying message in this fantastic tale. Not only was I entertained by Tessa's brilliant writing (I only wish I had the skills and talent to craft up a fictional story as creative as this one), but she made this a thought-provoking piece. One that makes you sit back and ask - "Is this sort of thing possible?"
Read this book. Be entertained.
And question things. Keep an open mind. We need open minded people. Those who will follow their gut instead of the crowd.
I can't wait for the follow-up.
Excellent work.
March 7, 2016
Amazingly good for a first book. Turns conventional thinking about sexual, conceptual and religious/sexual norms on its head. Sometimes I think this book is Sci Fi, sometimes a dystopian story, and sometimes a wonderfully well done satire.
Some readers may be turned off as this book explores a society where gay and lesbian behavior is the norm, and men are sequestered to be used as breeders. I encourage the reader to stay with this book. Guaranteed to encourage thinking. Way out of the box. Great story which is perfectly developed. Nothing critical to say about this book, I absolutely enjoyed it and look forward to the second and third book in the series. Highly recommended.
Some readers may be turned off as this book explores a society where gay and lesbian behavior is the norm, and men are sequestered to be used as breeders. I encourage the reader to stay with this book. Guaranteed to encourage thinking. Way out of the box. Great story which is perfectly developed. Nothing critical to say about this book, I absolutely enjoyed it and look forward to the second and third book in the series. Highly recommended.
November 23, 2016
I loved reading this dystopian novel on a post-World War III society ruled by feminist lesbians, where boys are raised in camps to become either eunuch servants or breeding slaves. As a result of indoctrination and controlled breeding, most humans are now homosexuals. However, nature does not allow itself to be altered easily. A lot of heterosexuals remain hidden under the radar and an underground railroad helps political dissidents and male slaves escape to the "island", where both gay and straight people can live in freedom. And in the midst of it all, the journey of Marley and Maddy, two teenagers running away from a society that will not allow them to be together. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews