Book Review – I Am Margaret

I Am Margaret by Corinna Turner

This is an amazing book, truly one of the best that I’ve read this year. This Dystopian story for older teens and adults is about a teen named Margaret (Margo) and her boyfriend/fiancé Bane. They live in a world that is full of evil and only the most productive members of society are wanted or needed, the others are basically recycled and used for parts to help the more worthy citizens. Margo has always struggled with math and doesn’t pass her sorting exam and is sent to a facility where she will ultimately be killed, but not if Bane has anything to say about the matter.

Unlike other dystopian novels this one is written from a Catholic point of view. At first this idea seemed a little odd to me but as I was reading I realized that if we ever did find ourselves living in an evil, deranged society, people of faith would band together and depend on their belief in God to get them through their ordeals. In the popular dystopian stories such as Divergent or Hunger Games, this element is of course missing, which is a huge flaw in those novels because Christians would delve deeper in their faith knowing that no matter what happens in this world we have the promise of eternal salvation.

Because I write YA and recommend novels for teens and their families, I feel I must warn that this book is not for everyone. It has some crude language, violence, as well as disturbing imagery and subject matter. However, it is so well written with intense action and incredible characters. (In fact, I admit to having a bit of a literary crush on Bane. ?) Margo is strong, smart, fearless and her faith is unshakable. Bane, though a bit reckless is brave, selfless and devoted. This couple, as well as many of the other characters, are fantastic. But the best part of this book is the strong Christian message. The way the author showcases the importance, power and beauty of a strong faith is incredible.

 

IN MARGO’S WORLD, IF YOU DON’T PASS YOUR SORTING AT 18 YOU ARE RECYCLED.

LITERALLY.

“Look, if you don’t pass…” said Bane, “I’ll have to see what I can do about it. Because… well… I’ve been counting on marrying you for a very long time, now, and I’ve no intention of letting anything stop me!”

Margaret Verrall dreams of marrying the boy she loves and spending her life with him. But she’s part of the underground network of Believers – and that carries the death penalty.
And there’s just one other problem.
She’s going to fail her Sorting.
But a chance to take on the system ups the stakes beyond mere survival.
Now she has to break out of the Facility – or face the worst punishment of all.
Conscious Dismantlement.