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Monday, June 03, 2019

The Girl in Red by Christina Henry

Like dystopian novels?  Fairy Tale retellings?  The Girl in Red combines both and exceptionally well.

First there was the Cough, which spread rapidly depopulating areas almost before the danger could be processed.  Red, who has a fondness for science fiction and post-apocalyptic novels and films, considers the situation serious long before others do.  She plans to be prepared and works to convince her parents and brother of the worst-case scenarios.  In the months that pass, things get worse, and by the time Red is taken seriously, it is almost too late.


Eventually, Red convinces her parents and brother that they should go to her grandmother's house, but they need to walk, not drive, avoiding contact with the infected--staying away from populated areas and highways.  A 300 mile trek through the woods and rough country is a daunting scenario, but using everything she has learned from watching films and reading books, Red has a mental idea of what would keep them safe.


The Girl in Red is divided into sections Before the Crisis occurred and After the Crisis changed everything about their former lives.

Of course, plans go awry from the beginning.   No matter how many dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels you've read, circumstances bring new challenges, losses, predators, and unanticipated horrors.  If the Cough was first, the new threat is worse--and man-made.


Oh, and to make things more difficult, Red has a prosthetic leg (because a post-apocalyptic world isn't dilemma enough). 

 "Over the river and through the woods,/To grandmother's house we go...."

Since I like both dystopian novels and fairy tale retellings, I was eager to read this The Girl in Red and found Red and her journey engrossing, satisfying my appetite for both genres.  My only problem is that I genuinely want more of this world and of Red.

Read in May; blog review scheduled for June 3.

NetGalley/Berkely Publishing
Dystopian/Post-apocalyptic.  June 18, 2019.  Print length:  304 pages

16 comments:

  1. I like the sound of this one. Adding it on to my wishlist. :)

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    1. I am going to have to put more books by Christina Henry on my wishlist. :)

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  2. This one sounds really interesting but I think that very clever cover art, all by itself, would have gotten me to pick this one up for a closer look. Cover art really doesn't get the credit it deserves, I think.

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    1. Yes, the cover is one that does pique your interest. I get tired of seeing the variations of certain covers over and over and appreciate one that is fresh and clever. This one certainly does that. :)

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  3. This sounds like a very clever re-telling. I wonder if the author will continue in this vein (a la Gregory Maguire) and give you your wish of more stories in this world.

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    1. She has previous books that involve re-tellings, and I'm going to check them out!

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  4. I can't wait to read this one! I've got it on hold at the library and am anxiously awaiting its arrival. (So I'm really glad to hear you liked it!) :D

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    1. I did like it! Have you read any of her other books, Lark? I'm not sure where to start, but I'm looking Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook.

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    2. I haven't read Lost Boy yet, but I did love her version of Alice. It's dark and twisty, but I loved it anyway. :)

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    3. I've read that Alice is pretty twisty, but it is on my list. :)

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  5. As you know, I am eager to read this one and am so glad you liked it, Jenclair. Now I can't wait!

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    1. I loved the combination of fairy tale and dystopian. Hope you like it, Wendy!

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  6. The combo of genres does sound super interesting, and I'm glad to hear you liked it! I've seen other reviews mention a similar feeling of wanting more. Maybe the author will write a sequel?

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    1. I'm really hoping there is a sequel! I don't know if the author intends that or not, but the set up is perfect for more of Red. :)

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  7. That cover is all kinds of wonderful! I wasn't too sure about this one but I think you've sold me!

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    1. The cover catches the eye and the imagination, doesn't it? The combination of a fairy tale like Little Red Riding Hood and a dystopian novel worked well!

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