"Red Clocks" by Leni Zumas

Red Clocks is set in a near future America where abortion and invitro fertilization are no longer legal. The book really resonated with me in that it gives us a glimpse into what could potentially become a reality for all of us. The book is written from the perspective of four different women.

Even though perspectives alternate throughout the book. I personally felt that Ro, or the Biographer, was the main voice in the novel. Ro is a single high school teacher, who has been working on a biography of a little known female arctic explorer. She is in her early forties and is desperately trying to get pregnant. At her age and with invitro fertilization no longer available, getting pregnant is next to impossible. In addition, we learn that in a few months time a new law will come into effect, which will make adoption impossible for her. Only married couples will be able to adopt from that point on. As Ro struggles to accept the fact that the dream of motherhood will never come true for her, she also realizes that she, along with millions of others, passively stood by as lawmakers made decisions which now intimately affect her and preclude her from becoming a mother.

In addition, we meet one of Ro's students, a girl named Mattie, who at sixteen wound up pregnant. She is scared, frustrated, and seemingly without options in regards to this pregnancy. By law, she cannot have an abortion. She has to either keep the baby or give it up for adoption. Mattie herself was adopted when she was a baby, and is left to forever wonder who her biological mother was and why she made the decision to give her up. Thus, the possibility of giving her unborn baby up for adoption is painfully personal for Mattie.

Next, we meet Susan, a mother of two, who is trapped in an unhappy marriage and is borderline suicidal. By law, she is supposed to be the one worthy of being a parent. However, as we see from her example, married couples are not always the best parents.

Finally, there is Gin, the Mender, an odd healer (a "witch") living in the woods, who provides poultices and potions to those who cannot afford medical care or require a service that is no longer legal in the United States. When Gin gets arrested for allegedly injuring the High School Principal's wife, all the various characters are brought together to play a part in this modern day witch trial.

I really enjoyed this book. I understand that some readers struggled with Zumas' experimental style of writing. But it did not bother me. I enjoy reading books that are written in a non-conventional way and make me look for unexpected connections between characters. I found the subject matter of this book poignant and relevant, and characters realistic and relatable. 4 out 5 stars.