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What I Would Do to You
In a near-future Australia, the death penalty is reinstated. The the family of the victim must carry out the sentence. One family member gets twenty-four hours in a room with the condemned. No cameras. No microphones. They can dole out whatever punishment they decide. The only at the end of the twenty-four hours, the criminal must be dead.
When ten-year-old Lucy is murdered, her family is doubled over with grief. While her killer waits them to decide on his fate, psychologist Octavia Tate is assigned to guide the family, living remotely on their ethical cattle farm, through their decision, but she finds herself amidst a family at war with different views on what constitutes justice. Lucy's mother, Stella - a survivor of domestic abuse - harbours a desire to carry out the sentence, and a burning fantasy of revenge. Her wife, Matisse, the creative earth mother and calming presence, can not support her, because she harbours a she has taken a life before and is not willing to do so again. And Sebastian - a vet with the golden-retriever temperament - refuses to participate, but only for fear of darker inside urges. Meanwhile, bookish teenager Hannah, too young to be legally allowed to participate, has her own plans.
As the execution date nears, and Stella is adamant that she has to carry out the punishment, Octavia realises the if Stella steps into the room, she will not survive it whole.
When ten-year-old Lucy is murdered, her family is doubled over with grief. While her killer waits them to decide on his fate, psychologist Octavia Tate is assigned to guide the family, living remotely on their ethical cattle farm, through their decision, but she finds herself amidst a family at war with different views on what constitutes justice. Lucy's mother, Stella - a survivor of domestic abuse - harbours a desire to carry out the sentence, and a burning fantasy of revenge. Her wife, Matisse, the creative earth mother and calming presence, can not support her, because she harbours a she has taken a life before and is not willing to do so again. And Sebastian - a vet with the golden-retriever temperament - refuses to participate, but only for fear of darker inside urges. Meanwhile, bookish teenager Hannah, too young to be legally allowed to participate, has her own plans.
As the execution date nears, and Stella is adamant that she has to carry out the punishment, Octavia realises the if Stella steps into the room, she will not survive it whole.
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Published March 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
October 20, 2024
The writing world, or should I say the reading world, is lucky Georgia Harper jumped out of her profession of psychology and into the writing world. She has bought her innate knowledge of humanity and placed it firmly into this interesting and unexpected near future novel.
A moral dilemma (which I was furious that the Government would even entertain the thought of) forced on to every day Australians into dealing with perpetrators of crimes committed against their families. An impossible choice. I felt their raw to the bone anguish.
This bought up all sorts of meaty questions and grey areas of what is right and wrong, and who has the choice to impart fatal punishments. Who wants those who killed to be killed, or to suffer in the same way. Who wants physics vengeance? Or who does not.
It then further went on to show us how damaged each character was after the death of a daughter, a sister. And their past secrets.
These family members left behind not only have to deal with loss, they have to manage the outcome of another brutality which is forced upon them by the leaders of their country.
There are no winners, but for the reader. This is a debut piece, and the ability for the narrative to suck the reader into a family’s grief was palpable, skilled and very effective.
A fab ending, and a refreshing book. This really was amazing.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
A moral dilemma (which I was furious that the Government would even entertain the thought of) forced on to every day Australians into dealing with perpetrators of crimes committed against their families. An impossible choice. I felt their raw to the bone anguish.
This bought up all sorts of meaty questions and grey areas of what is right and wrong, and who has the choice to impart fatal punishments. Who wants those who killed to be killed, or to suffer in the same way. Who wants physics vengeance? Or who does not.
It then further went on to show us how damaged each character was after the death of a daughter, a sister. And their past secrets.
These family members left behind not only have to deal with loss, they have to manage the outcome of another brutality which is forced upon them by the leaders of their country.
There are no winners, but for the reader. This is a debut piece, and the ability for the narrative to suck the reader into a family’s grief was palpable, skilled and very effective.
A fab ending, and a refreshing book. This really was amazing.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
May 5, 2024
When this book arrived on my doorstep I was intrigued. Such a beautiful cover, and yet such a dark premise.
It is 2039 in Australia, and the government have just reinstated the death penalty. But there is a catch. The family of the victim must carry out the execution. What the?? We follow the family of a 10 year old girl that has been murdered, we witness their grief, their regrets, their anger as they try to come to terms with what they must do. A physiologist is there to help them determine who will do it and how.
This would make a great book for a book club. There is so much to unpack here l I felt a whole range of emotions as I read this book, my thoughts in what was right and wrong changing throughout the story. The ending was so well done.
This is definitely a book you need to check out for yourself. A thought provoking read that you won’t forget in a hurry.
Thanks to Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy of this book to read. It is out now in Australia.
It is 2039 in Australia, and the government have just reinstated the death penalty. But there is a catch. The family of the victim must carry out the execution. What the?? We follow the family of a 10 year old girl that has been murdered, we witness their grief, their regrets, their anger as they try to come to terms with what they must do. A physiologist is there to help them determine who will do it and how.
This would make a great book for a book club. There is so much to unpack here l I felt a whole range of emotions as I read this book, my thoughts in what was right and wrong changing throughout the story. The ending was so well done.
This is definitely a book you need to check out for yourself. A thought provoking read that you won’t forget in a hurry.
Thanks to Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy of this book to read. It is out now in Australia.
June 4, 2024
For a debut novel this book is a solid 5/5.
We love an Aussie author. 🤍
This book was such an interesting and well thought out/clever concept. So twisted to really think about our justice system, the trauma that family members go through after murder, and how every human has such different views of what is just. It was a great read, and I loved that it was an Aussie setting. This is my first book I have read by this author but I loved her writing style and the fact she was able to write a dark twisted novel (with some humour) that actually made me think/reflect.. rather than the usual brain deadness I generally feel after reading a mediocre or even good book, wrapping up with a stupid plot twist that ruins generally all physiological thrillers, rather than a well thought out ending that makes sense.
We love an Aussie author. 🤍
This book was such an interesting and well thought out/clever concept. So twisted to really think about our justice system, the trauma that family members go through after murder, and how every human has such different views of what is just. It was a great read, and I loved that it was an Aussie setting. This is my first book I have read by this author but I loved her writing style and the fact she was able to write a dark twisted novel (with some humour) that actually made me think/reflect.. rather than the usual brain deadness I generally feel after reading a mediocre or even good book, wrapping up with a stupid plot twist that ruins generally all physiological thrillers, rather than a well thought out ending that makes sense.
June 13, 2024
Was recommended this book in my local bookstore. By the way they had recommended it I was intrigued as it seemed dark, gruesome and I was told ‘not to read at night’. However, I’m really disappointed to realise none of it met my expectations of what the book was meant to be about - the death penalty - right until the last few pages. Also, midway through the book is completely irrelevant, feel as though the author is just trying to build suspense. Although building suspense about roadkill and bushfires really wasn’t my intention on reading this book.
April 28, 2024
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
“In the near future, the death penalty is back…….”
With a snippet of a premise like that, you can’t help but think this book is going to be an interesting and provocative read.
Grab a ticket, fasten your seat belts and board the ride to Georgia’s imaginative mind, you are in for a surprise.
It’s 2039 and the government has reinstated the death penalty.
If the victims family want death, they have to do it themselves.
Stella and Matisse are mothers to murdered ten year old Lucy.
Both have different ideas of what they want to happen.
Lucy’s older brother and teenage sister want to partake.
A psychologist is appointed and as we turn the pages we discover all their stories, secrets and loss.
What is the right thing to do…..
A story that raises questions, creates controversy and asks about morality.
There are some scenes that I found hard to read and some very dark moments that are confronting.
When I began, I knew I was going to have mixed emotions and when I finished I was very impressed with the plot, writing and the way it all concluded.
I want to say I enjoyed but it’s the wrong wording but I think you get where I’m coming from.
An amazing read that I highly recommend but do go in carefully.
“In the near future, the death penalty is back…….”
With a snippet of a premise like that, you can’t help but think this book is going to be an interesting and provocative read.
Grab a ticket, fasten your seat belts and board the ride to Georgia’s imaginative mind, you are in for a surprise.
It’s 2039 and the government has reinstated the death penalty.
If the victims family want death, they have to do it themselves.
Stella and Matisse are mothers to murdered ten year old Lucy.
Both have different ideas of what they want to happen.
Lucy’s older brother and teenage sister want to partake.
A psychologist is appointed and as we turn the pages we discover all their stories, secrets and loss.
What is the right thing to do…..
A story that raises questions, creates controversy and asks about morality.
There are some scenes that I found hard to read and some very dark moments that are confronting.
When I began, I knew I was going to have mixed emotions and when I finished I was very impressed with the plot, writing and the way it all concluded.
I want to say I enjoyed but it’s the wrong wording but I think you get where I’m coming from.
An amazing read that I highly recommend but do go in carefully.
June 22, 2024
Honestly this was such an unexpected like! It feels more like you’re reading a true crime which is something I haven’t ever read before, but ended up loving. It was confronting going through Lucy’s case as it left no detail un turned but also had beautiful moments of family coming together and just a gripping Aussie tale touching on farming/country life.
March 10, 2024
That premise would get anyone’s attention but this had me in a death grip from the jump, and that ENDING!! So good. I love when women.
April 2, 2024
A very interesting read with a super unique and clever concept. A little dragging in the middle but good ending tying everything together.
October 20, 2024
The concept is so interesting and would be 5 stars if the book actually stuck to it. Half the book is USELESS and has nothing to do with the plot. Waste of TIME
December 28, 2024
Found the death penalty idea too hard to believe and was so disgusted by details of the crime that I only made it halfway through the book.
April 7, 2025
Plot: the world goes mad after having red meat intake restricted, thinking they can arm themselves against a bushfire by preparing a plate of sandwiches
July 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I genuinely had to take a deep breath after finishing this. What an incredible piece of work and so beautifully written. The character development, the additional plot lines, and the careful planning to have everything successfully full into place was exceptional. The concept was unlike anything I have read before. As much as I want to tell everyone I know to read this book so that they can share the profound experience of reading it and have philosophical conversations with me about what they would do in this situation, there are some pretty gruesome details that are potentially triggering for some so read at your own risk.
Can’t wait to see what else Georgia Harper has for us after this incredible debut novel.
Can’t wait to see what else Georgia Harper has for us after this incredible debut novel.
May 14, 2024
This was another Aussie debut (so many goodies lately!) and I am so excited to read more from Georgia Harper. 🤩
Huge TW for this book - graphic child death & SA
It’s 2039 in Australia and the death penalty has been brought back. Things are a little different now though - the family of the victim must carry out the sentence if they choose execution - which looks like 24 hours alone in a room with no cameras and no consequences. I think this premise is so cool and original, and I think this book does a fantastic job of encouraging a bit of introspection and making you question your own morality.
5 years after 10 year old Lucy is attacked and murdered, this story follows the weeks leading up to the execution of the man responsible from the perspectives of Octavia, the family’s court-appointed psychologist, and Hannah, Lucy’s 18 year old sister who is not allowed to participate in the execution due to being under 18 at the time the crime was committed, leaving her with no outlet for her rage. Octavia must, to the best of her ability, prepare the family as they choose whether they will participate and ensure they are able to make those decisions in accordance with the legislation. It’s cool to read this book knowing the author is a psychologist herself because the majority is written from the perspective of Octavia, but in a scenario that standard practice couldn’t really prepare you for.
What I Would Do To You is a beautiful and jarring journey through grief, family division and how obstacles can make or break us. The writing was addictive and elegant, particularly for a debut. This made me feel a visceral ache for the family and I just think it’s a fantastic representation of ways different people are affected by losing a loved one. I just wasn’t crazy about the ending and I was really holding out for more but you can tell the author was very deliberate with where the story leaves off.
If you can handle the triggers I definitely recommend picking this up, it’s definitely not something you read everyday! 📚
June 27, 2024
Enjoyed the first half but the second let me down. The confession was highly unrealistic and she could have dealt with that in a more beliavable way. The ending was kinda creepy and disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
What I Would Do To You is a tough book to read but so very thought provoking. In this future version of Australia, many things have changed, including the re-introduction of capital punishment for serious offenders. The twist? The execution must be carried out by the victim's family.
As tough as this book was, I was so engaged with it and even when it was almost too much for me, I kept going back to pick it up. At the heart of this book, it kept challenging me to ask myself what I would do in this situation. To literally choose violence, and defend the memory of someone I loved, or to walk away, knowing the punishment will still be administered but out of my hands.
Despite the bleakness of some of the events in this book, there were some truly loveable characters. I really enjoyed both Hannah and Octavia's perspective, and I enjoyed the cast of animals that were dotted through the story. I think what I loved especially about this book is that I was kind of hoping for some lesson on morality and what the 'right' answer to the issues in this book are, but I truly don't think we got a black and white answer. Highly recommend, but just make sure you take care of yourself as you read this one and check the trigger warnings.
As tough as this book was, I was so engaged with it and even when it was almost too much for me, I kept going back to pick it up. At the heart of this book, it kept challenging me to ask myself what I would do in this situation. To literally choose violence, and defend the memory of someone I loved, or to walk away, knowing the punishment will still be administered but out of my hands.
Despite the bleakness of some of the events in this book, there were some truly loveable characters. I really enjoyed both Hannah and Octavia's perspective, and I enjoyed the cast of animals that were dotted through the story. I think what I loved especially about this book is that I was kind of hoping for some lesson on morality and what the 'right' answer to the issues in this book are, but I truly don't think we got a black and white answer. Highly recommend, but just make sure you take care of yourself as you read this one and check the trigger warnings.
December 6, 2025
What I Would Do To You by Georgia Harper won the Sisters in Crime 2025 Davitt Award for best debut crime fiction this year. It's certainly warranted but interesting as I'm unsure I'd classify this as crime fiction - more the aftermath of a crime perhaps? Either way Harper certainly offers up a confronting commentary on many MANY topical issues, from climate change to gender roles to domestic and family violence and sexual assault. It's set in 2039, so the near distant future and in many ways it's akin to a warning... of the direction society could find itself taking if we don't heed the many warnings that seem to be ever-present.
This isn't a 'light' read. It's one full of moral and ethical dilemmas. I love that Harper's taken a very measured approach to the decision(s) facing the characters and suggest this would be a great book-club read with many factors up for debate.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
This isn't a 'light' read. It's one full of moral and ethical dilemmas. I love that Harper's taken a very measured approach to the decision(s) facing the characters and suggest this would be a great book-club read with many factors up for debate.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
June 16, 2024
It's 2039 and Australia has just re-legalised the death penalty. However, if the victim's family wants the perpetrator dead, they must carry out the execution themselves. Locked in a room for 24 hours with no cameras or other recording devices, they can do whatever they want, with any legal weapon they choose. There's complete anonymity, given a media blackout is in place.
Still, the upcoming execution of 10 year old Lucy's killer has created a stir. Five years ago, the bright, inquisitive little girl was brutally tortured then murdered in a place where she should've felt safe. Devastation makes us all react in different ways, which can't be clearer in the family she left behind. Her mothers Stella and Matisse, veterinarian older brother Sebastian and bookish older sister Hannah, need specialist psychologist assistance to come to terms with the situation at hand, and here to help is Octavia, who's had a wealth of experience, but nothing quite like this.
With one mother struggling in her grief, another being supportive but also holding her own demons and a son completely on the fence if he should be involved or not, Octavia really has her work cut out. Not to mention Hannah, too young to have her say, who has plans of her own. This farming family is broken and somehow Octavia must guide them back to a united front, before another tragedy takes place.
Don't let the pretty cover fool you. What I Would Do to You is compelling, dark and gritty. It'll make you super uncomfortable, given the premise. Legalisating the death penalty again is something that's been debated for years. Confronted with such a topic, it's easy to think that it COULD happen soon enough.
So, would you be willing to kill someone in an act of justice? Could you possibly live with the ramifications? Most importantly, when you're face to face with a killer, locked away from the rest of the world, could you actually go through with it and commit?
A stellar debut!!
5 🌟
Still, the upcoming execution of 10 year old Lucy's killer has created a stir. Five years ago, the bright, inquisitive little girl was brutally tortured then murdered in a place where she should've felt safe. Devastation makes us all react in different ways, which can't be clearer in the family she left behind. Her mothers Stella and Matisse, veterinarian older brother Sebastian and bookish older sister Hannah, need specialist psychologist assistance to come to terms with the situation at hand, and here to help is Octavia, who's had a wealth of experience, but nothing quite like this.
With one mother struggling in her grief, another being supportive but also holding her own demons and a son completely on the fence if he should be involved or not, Octavia really has her work cut out. Not to mention Hannah, too young to have her say, who has plans of her own. This farming family is broken and somehow Octavia must guide them back to a united front, before another tragedy takes place.
Don't let the pretty cover fool you. What I Would Do to You is compelling, dark and gritty. It'll make you super uncomfortable, given the premise. Legalisating the death penalty again is something that's been debated for years. Confronted with such a topic, it's easy to think that it COULD happen soon enough.
So, would you be willing to kill someone in an act of justice? Could you possibly live with the ramifications? Most importantly, when you're face to face with a killer, locked away from the rest of the world, could you actually go through with it and commit?
A stellar debut!!
5 🌟
July 14, 2024
This was quite a wild book but I enjoyed it. The premise is dystopic but the depicted future is written so convincingly it feels within grasp. It is dark and psychologically unnerving - tw for some gruesome and f'ed up stuff, Harper leaves no detail unmentioned when discussing child abuse and murder.
But I liked its originality, Australian background, exploration of a climate & crime impacted future, and deep trembling analysis of what grief and rage can do to a person. Between 3.5 and 4
But I liked its originality, Australian background, exploration of a climate & crime impacted future, and deep trembling analysis of what grief and rage can do to a person. Between 3.5 and 4
May 6, 2024
dark and compelling, so good
January 17, 2025
Very interesting an original premise. I enjoyed the aspects of True crime and psychology. The therapy-speak and niceties were a little irritating to me, as was Stella's (one of the mothers) hopelessness - I got really sick of reading about her. This story lost me in the last hundred or so pages, but I really enjoyed the start. Overall pretty good read.
August 25, 2024
Set in a ‘near-future Australia’ where the death penalty is back on the table for heinous crimes - but with a catch. The victim’s family must be the ones to perform the punishment. An interesting premise, and as an avid reader of dystopian fiction l wanted to know just how Australian society has reached this point. Everything else seems extremely relatable and contemporary, from the psychologist’s counselling of the family through to the fighting of bush fires. As such, the premise ends up feeling rather contrived.
It is a readable book, but lacks depth and is definitely not a dystopian text.
It is a readable book, but lacks depth and is definitely not a dystopian text.
November 26, 2024
Top read of the year so far!
I was so thoroughly invested in this story, and it made for excellent book club discussion. Notes below, I'm still processing my thoughts.
Spoilers below!
Author bio at the start states she is a psychologist who has worked with both violent offenders and victim-survivors which immediately stood out to me and is evidenced especially through Octavia's character and her interactions with the family. There is also an authors note at the end where she touches on the diversity and complexity of justice and punishment. This is her first novel, and I think she has a really good background and knowledge base that obviously contributed to how the novel came together and I think how well done it is.
Prologue of someone tasting ashes immediately drew me in, we don't find out until later that this is Hannah. There were a lot of little lines of text like this throughout that was just that little bit shocking or grotesque but also just flowed naturally and had a purpose to the story. Full circle absorbing Lucy and seeking justice
I really enjoyed the semi-dystopian setting. This is set in the future, but not too far in the future, and it is still recognisable as our country which only made it more unsettling. There are several focuses throughout the book on the impact of climate change and the impacts of humans on this planet- Renewable energy is touched on with a mention of electric vehicles and the government mandates that phased out petrol. The government mandate on beef production and the overhaul of animal agriculture as an industry was also a really interesting concept and one that I have seen come up more and more in these kinds of real world dystopia or near-future books. It does make you think about what's coming in our lifetime because in terms of climate change there's just so many things that are really concerning and need changes to have happened 10 years ago- will it come to a point where we are forced to adapt to these new technologies or lifestyles in a desperate attempt to save the future of the planet.
The dry heat of the country, the rural property especially Mattisse with her 'get on with it' attitude, all felt very real and familiar to me . The Australian setting was very authentic.
Loved the exploration of toxic masculinity and traditional roles/gender stereotypes through Sebastian. The shame he feels for not being more like the "kind of men" he thinks he should be is contrasted with Hannah's comment that he is the only man she can trust, and Octavias observations of Sebastian as kind hearted and gentle and a "good man". Cole is a clear contrast as well which creates an interesting dynamic.
The overarching theme of justice vs revenge is explored so well throughout.
The added weight of killing on top of the grief
Perspective- Hannah is almost more of a traditional protagonist, but we see he transformation from the edges through Octavia. This made the reveal at the end so powerful, and added a lot of interest to the narrative
I was so thoroughly invested in this story, and it made for excellent book club discussion. Notes below, I'm still processing my thoughts.
Spoilers below!
Author bio at the start states she is a psychologist who has worked with both violent offenders and victim-survivors which immediately stood out to me and is evidenced especially through Octavia's character and her interactions with the family. There is also an authors note at the end where she touches on the diversity and complexity of justice and punishment. This is her first novel, and I think she has a really good background and knowledge base that obviously contributed to how the novel came together and I think how well done it is.
Prologue of someone tasting ashes immediately drew me in, we don't find out until later that this is Hannah. There were a lot of little lines of text like this throughout that was just that little bit shocking or grotesque but also just flowed naturally and had a purpose to the story. Full circle absorbing Lucy and seeking justice
I really enjoyed the semi-dystopian setting. This is set in the future, but not too far in the future, and it is still recognisable as our country which only made it more unsettling. There are several focuses throughout the book on the impact of climate change and the impacts of humans on this planet- Renewable energy is touched on with a mention of electric vehicles and the government mandates that phased out petrol. The government mandate on beef production and the overhaul of animal agriculture as an industry was also a really interesting concept and one that I have seen come up more and more in these kinds of real world dystopia or near-future books. It does make you think about what's coming in our lifetime because in terms of climate change there's just so many things that are really concerning and need changes to have happened 10 years ago- will it come to a point where we are forced to adapt to these new technologies or lifestyles in a desperate attempt to save the future of the planet.
The dry heat of the country, the rural property especially Mattisse with her 'get on with it' attitude, all felt very real and familiar to me . The Australian setting was very authentic.
Loved the exploration of toxic masculinity and traditional roles/gender stereotypes through Sebastian. The shame he feels for not being more like the "kind of men" he thinks he should be is contrasted with Hannah's comment that he is the only man she can trust, and Octavias observations of Sebastian as kind hearted and gentle and a "good man". Cole is a clear contrast as well which creates an interesting dynamic.
The overarching theme of justice vs revenge is explored so well throughout.
The added weight of killing on top of the grief
Perspective- Hannah is almost more of a traditional protagonist, but we see he transformation from the edges through Octavia. This made the reveal at the end so powerful, and added a lot of interest to the narrative
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
Great read with an interesting plot. Still digesting the ending…
January 23, 2025
This book had me on the edge of my seat. It’s set in Australia in a hypothetical future in which the family of a murder victim are given the opportunity to execute capital punishment on the perpetrator. Absolutely full of moral quandaries and explorations of how different people respond to trauma and how they find healing. Really fascinating read. I audibly winced at least a dozen times though so proceed with caution if you’re sensitive like me.
April 22, 2024
What a remarkable debut this was.
As soon as a I read this part of the premise “In a near-future Australia, the death penalty is reinstated. The catch: the family of the victim must carry out the sentence. One family member gets twenty-four hours in a room with the condemned. No cameras. No microphones. They can dole out whatever punishment they decide. The only rule: at the end of the twenty-four hours, the criminal must be dead”. I was sold and had to read this.
I went in honestly not really knowing what I would be reading, and I feel this is often best.
This book made me think and had me questioning my own thoughts and judgements and for me that’s a sign of a powerful read.
We follow a family after the horrible assault and murder of ten year old Lucy. The families grief and differing way of expressing this and their individual thoughts of the option to kill the monster who did this crime.
We follow through interactions and sessions with the appointed physiologist and I found this so interesting and meaningful.
The ending was perfect for me. And was what I had thought may be the case.
I’d absolutely love a 5 years from now follow uk. Just saying.
If this book isn’t on your radar than change that now and add it to cart.
As soon as a I read this part of the premise “In a near-future Australia, the death penalty is reinstated. The catch: the family of the victim must carry out the sentence. One family member gets twenty-four hours in a room with the condemned. No cameras. No microphones. They can dole out whatever punishment they decide. The only rule: at the end of the twenty-four hours, the criminal must be dead”. I was sold and had to read this.
I went in honestly not really knowing what I would be reading, and I feel this is often best.
This book made me think and had me questioning my own thoughts and judgements and for me that’s a sign of a powerful read.
We follow a family after the horrible assault and murder of ten year old Lucy. The families grief and differing way of expressing this and their individual thoughts of the option to kill the monster who did this crime.
We follow through interactions and sessions with the appointed physiologist and I found this so interesting and meaningful.
The ending was perfect for me. And was what I had thought may be the case.
I’d absolutely love a 5 years from now follow uk. Just saying.
If this book isn’t on your radar than change that now and add it to cart.
November 6, 2024
Not a huge fan of this book. I’m no literature expert but sometimes I wonder why editors don’t pick up on these things. My main annoyance of this book was the way the author had to keep randomly announcing the setting of this book (as in the year). Nothing about this book indicated it was set in the time it claims to be set in and to me this just screams average writing.
I also just don’t get the concept of this book and as it was written by someone who is an expert in the field I can’t understand what the hell this backwards thinking is. The ending kind of irritated me particularly with Hannah; I just felt Hannah’s character was all over the shop.
The section where the bushfire occurred was also quite questionable. Why would you cook a family meal, look after some random animals while there is a bushfire raging outside. The timeline here was kind of not overly believable in my opinion.
I also just don’t get the concept of this book and as it was written by someone who is an expert in the field I can’t understand what the hell this backwards thinking is. The ending kind of irritated me particularly with Hannah; I just felt Hannah’s character was all over the shop.
The section where the bushfire occurred was also quite questionable. Why would you cook a family meal, look after some random animals while there is a bushfire raging outside. The timeline here was kind of not overly believable in my opinion.
March 2, 2025
This debut novel delivers a thought-provoking exploration of justice, morality, and climate change in a futuristic Australia. The dual perspectives of Octavia and Hannah are engaging, with Hannah’s character development standing out. The writing is fluid and immersive, though the pacing slows after a secret is revealed. The ending for me was tied up perfectly and loved the path the writer chose. Tackling heavy themes like child abuse and murder, this novel is both emotional and compelling—a strong debut!
May 19, 2024
I would give the first 60% of this book 5 stars. I read it so fast and it made me more emotional than a book ever has before. But then, once the bushfire hit, it took my a long time to read. I’ll feel the bushfire was wayyy too long and didn’t serve that much of a purpose to the story. I did really like the writing style, and I feel that bits of info/plot twists were always dropped at the right time, particularly at the start of the book.
April 12, 2024
3.5 stars
This concept is incredible intriguing and certainly sparked some interesting office conversations (looking at you LP!). That being said, I would have liked more detail about how this was passed in government, the politics and protests about it, how Octavia got into this line of work. The Cole story line added nothing - take that out and give me more of the “sentence” stuff!
This concept is incredible intriguing and certainly sparked some interesting office conversations (looking at you LP!). That being said, I would have liked more detail about how this was passed in government, the politics and protests about it, how Octavia got into this line of work. The Cole story line added nothing - take that out and give me more of the “sentence” stuff!
April 6, 2024
I went into this thinking it was a dystopian. I was wrong. Nothing of significance happens until the final couple of chapters. It’s very much a character driven novel, with a shortened plot.
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