The Choice

by Claire Wade

Imagine a world where...

Everything you ate was monitored by the government.
Every step you took was counted.
Your children were weighed every day at school.
Neighbours reported on neighbours and no one was safe from judgement.
Sugar was illegal, and baking was a crime.

Imagine if that world was here... What would you do?

Toe the line or fight for your freedom...

Genres: Dystopia, Fiction, Science Fiction, Feminism, Adult, Book Club, Fantasy

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2019

About the author

Claire Wade is the winner of the Good Housekeeping Novel Competition 2018. Her debut novel, The Choice, will be published on 26th December 2019.

She was bed bound for six years with severe ME, trapped in a body that wouldn’t do what she wanted; her only escape was through her imagination. She now writes about women who want to break free from the constraints of their lives, a subject she’s deeply familiar with.

Her favourite things are books, baking and the WI. She’s the founding president of a modern WI (Women’s Institute) and runs a baking club for other cake lovers. You’ll find her in her writing room, nicknamed Narnia because it’s also home to a wardrobe and is the place where she escapes to other worlds. She’s happiest if she’s got a slice of chocolate cake, a cup of tea and a good book.

Reviews

[BlackfishGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I'm a sucker for a good dystopian book but for the most part did not enjoy it. It is pretty readable so that's a positive. Despite the infrequent iteration of 'it's not about the cake' the first part of the book overwhelmingly feels as if it is very much about the cake. Would it suck if cake was banned and you were regimented to exercise? Yes. Would it be wrong? Yes. But if you're looking at the state of the world and the worst thing you can think of is, what if I was never able to eat cake again, you need to sort out your priorities. I get that there's still all the terror of the police state etc attached to it but for me the fact that most of this is attached to cake, I can't take it seriously. I also found the main character annoying. There's some halfhearted indications that it's not just about food like mentions of modest clothing but that seems like an afterthought. It turns it around a little bit at the end of the book and gets more interesting- about 90% in. Anyway. Not for me.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Choice is nothing less a dystopian masterpiece set in a near-distant future; the kind that comes around once in a blue moon and blows people away, and it certainly did that to me. I was astounded to learn it is a debut, and if Ms Wade keeps up the standard I can see her having a stellar writing career. It reminds me very much of George Orwell's 1984 crossed with Margaret Atwood's The Handmaids Tale and also pieces of Christina Dalcher's Vox released in 2018, and yes, it really is that exquisite. The reason why this is so powerful and a real tour de force is because it hits so close to home. The fact that it is possibly the path we are heading down is extremely unnerving and frankly downright terrifying to ruminate. It centres around a tyrannical, oppressive government who acts like big brother and monitors every little thing you do. Prime Minister Mother Mason, unfortunately, has mandate as she was voted into office but she is health-obsessed and ensures everyone does the correct amount of exercise daily and unhealthy snacks are rationed; it's become a nanny state. A completely compulsive and deeply alarming debut and one I hope is widely read; it certainly deserves to be.

Claire Wade's writing draws you in and holds you captive for the entire story; this is genuinely as Orwellian as it gets without actually being the man himself. It's disturbing, scary and intensely thought-provoking and the narrative is so realistic and believable that it leaves you rattled and perturbed. It's an exploration of morality and an illustration of just how far those in power can go before the rebellious, magnificent part of society rise up and take their lives in their hands by doing so. It reminds you that love will prevail and that family and friends are the most important aspects of your life. It is a perfect depiction of how power can corrupt and once Mother Mason tastes a little of it she wants more and more. Watts reminds us through protagonist Olivia Pritchard that we always have THE CHOICE to join the ever-growing resistance to the authoritarian (soon to be totalitarian) regime taking over their lives. Not only is this highly entertaining but it also serves as a warning about the dangerous road we are heading down and it implores everyone to not let history repeat itself. Unreservedly recommended. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

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**4.5 stars**

The Choice by Claire Wade. (2019).

Imagine a world where everything you ate was monitored by the government. Every step you took was counted. Your children were weighed every day at school. Neighbours report on neighbours and no one was safe from judgement. Sugar was illegal and baking was a crime. Imagine if that world was here now...what would you do? Toe the line...or fight for your freedom...?

This novel was the winner of the Good Housekeeping first novel award and when you read it you'll definitely see why. As with all the best science fiction it is super believable and easy to imagine, thus all the more horrifying (no sugar at all, eep!). Aside from the horror of no sugar (haha), the book paints a pretty serious picture of one person in charge probably genuinely trying to improve society's health but doing this the completely wrong way. It raises the relatable issue of the community voting someone into power and then becoming unhappy with said person's actions... where do you go from there? The storyline was really engaging and also very interesting. The book is set from Olivia's point of view; Olivia is a married mother of two young children who owned her own bakery before the new food laws came into play. I really liked Olivia and I thought she was a great lead character to follow.
This is such a fantastic debut for the author, I really look forward to any future offerings.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up just after ½way. Seems to be a book about saving a dystopian world with a bake sale.

[Tim Adams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let’s be honest, stories about dystopian futures aren’t in short supply in today’s literary environment. From early classics such as Brave New World and 1984, to contemporary classics like The Handmaid’s Tale, there is an entire genre to select from. Many distinguished authors including Ben Elton and Iain Pears have dabbled, and young adults have an enormous range of books to choose from – The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, Divergent, you name it. So when I come across a book lauded as being something new and different, even award-winning, I sit up and take notice, excited for something that really stands out.

Despite the award sticker on the front, The Choice was not worth getting excited over.

While it is occasionally thought-provoking, it certainly isn’t original. Nor is it suspenseful or shocking which, I believe, are key to a good dystopian novel. It should entertain, it should certainly not be predictable and should leave us fearful that this is a genuine possibility for our future. Unfortunately, The Choice was derivative, entirely predictable and almost comic-book in its exposition and denouement.

Let’s examine it a little closer. Fair warning, there will be some minor plot spoilers here.

The Choice follows Olivia, a mother, house wife and former baker in a near-future Britain in which calorie intake and exercise is mandated by law and all unhealthy foods are contraband. As a former baker and creator of unhealthy and addictive foods, she is mistrusted and sometimes shunned by her neighbours. All aspects of life are ruled by the Prime Minister (Mother Mason), with brainwashing, public shaming and public capital trials setting the scene. Olivia joins the resistance and becomes a figurehead for revolution, resulting in the collapse of the government.
I have so many problems with this book. Firstly, the hints at subplots that literally do not go anywhere. Danny (Olivia’s husband) spending every spare moment on social media looking at banned dissident videos but not allowing Olivia to see what he’s doing. So many hints that Danny was up to no good, was part of the resistance or was going to be exposed and arrested down the track… but no. Nothing. Similarly, Olivia found dirt on just about every person in authority – her local Mothers Institute President, the First Mother, her local MP. This may have been a tool to illustrate the hypocrisy of authoritarian leaders, but if so it was clumsy and poorly-used. It had the effect of leading the reader to believe that Olivia was going to use this knowledge against them, especially in the climactic courtroom scene, with the First Mother presiding over her trial. Nope, these hints went nowhere.

Another device used to illustrate the brutality of Mother Mason’s regime was the Agents. These are grey-suited secret police that uphold the law, guard public figures and arrest those who don’t toe the party line. Think about it – a secret police force required to keep an entire population in line must be pretty large, right? Then why are the same two Agents used to run a one-off training program, investigate and arrest Olivia, be the only guards on death row in prison and transport prisoners to and from court? That’s not a literary device, that’s unforgivably lazy writing.

Wade takes great delight in moving the plot forward in leaps and bounds without explaining completely how things occur. For example, after Olivia’s trial, she’s locked in a public Shame Box (think a 21st century stocks) for days. Somehow, thousands of people turn up to support her. We are given to think that this is the population rising up against Mother Mason and seeking to support Olivia. But how? If the trial telecast was cut when she pleaded Not Guilty, how do all these people know where to go? And how do they all communicate, if they’re so terrified of surveillance? Alternatively, if the Government is all powerful, how the hell do the resistance keep managing to repeatedly hack into the secure national television signal?

There’s a lot to be said about the transition of power from one authoritarian government to another, as well as being careful what you wish for in terms of government. But really, these messages were almost afterthoughts at the end, rather than being built in to the narrative structure.
All in all, this book was about as tasty as Olivia’s Celebration Slice.

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Choice was a wildly entertaining novel wherein the world it encompassed seemed too unrealistic- but the more you read the more it seemed possible- after all the more time goes by the more our government monitors us and gone are the days when it was hugely unlikely that an electorate would vote for an extremist of any kind.

Here we follow Olivia and her family – an ex baker now she is looked upon with suspicion in a world with no cakes- so after being scared for a very long time she joins the resistance….

This book has the addictive quality of gooey cookies, you start it then get enveloped into it without even noticing. The plotting is cleverly compelling, makes you think about lifestyle and choices whilst telling a riveting tale of a fight against the machine and hands us a villain in Mother Mason that will get your blood up..

A kind of Bake Off meets revolution hybrid, The Choice was a very good read, both fun and a bit edge of seat. I very much enjoyed it.

Recommended.

[LaurieAnn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really? A dystopian story about people under the thumb of the government where they completely control over what they put in their mouths? Olivia's obsession with cake is the driving force for rebellion? Nope, this just doesn't work for me at all. The positive side: the writing itself was good.

[KiKi The #BookNerd KBbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Choice, by Claire Wade is a wonderfully insightful book with a focus on humanity, family and the chance to choose your own fate under extreme oppression.

The Choice follows Olivia, the main character, as she lives in fear of a government the people chose. In a world where the people elected Prime Minister Mother Mason, they seem to have forged their own shackles as she has stripped away choice in favour of better healthcare. Mother Mason has forged a world of healthy living; sugar, milk ,cream and other fatty and unhealthy products are rationed, unhealthy snacks such as chocolate and cakes have been banned, and baking is a crime. Everybody is watched and monitored, and everybody is watching and monitoring. Neighbours and friends have become a threat, fear of association is greater than the loyalty of friendship and family. In a world where you are weighed daily, routine exercise is compulsory, and you are always found guilty, what choice do you have but to comply? Olivia wrestles with this fear every day, she fears for her safety, for her children, for her family, and yet what choice does she have? Unable to speak up and fight back, things are getting worse and a mysterious rebel group has started releasing videos that question Mother Mason’s rules. As things become more dangerous, the people are forced to choose; listen to Mother Mason, because surely ‘mother knows best’ or fight back and reclaim the lives they voted away.

Claire Wade does a brilliant job of exploring just how far oppression can go and the effects it can have on a population. The Choice, aptly named for many reasons, shows the core of oppression and rising up against it, and truly makes you question just how are you meant to tackle this, and how far is too far?

The narration and writing style. The Choice is told from the perspective of Olivia, the main character. We get to see her thoughts, her feelings, her internal conflict and perspective on the world she voted for, and it works wonderfully. Seeing the effects of this oppression from the viewpoint of one person is very effective because it is how we would also experience this kind of situation. The constant questioning, fear and wondering whether or not anyone else feels the same way is exactly how any individual would react under such a stressful situation. Moreover, Olivia is kept in the dark about a lot of things, whether it is about the government or secrets kept by those close to her. The lack of knowledge on her part makes the novel far more interesting as it keeps you guessing about what will happen next, what happens to the guilty, and what secrets are being withheld from her, it maintains an element of mystery and fear that makes you want to read on.

Claire Wade’s writing style is easy to read. Most of the language used is direct, rather than flowery or symbolic, aiding the sense of fear and control that permeates the novel. However, there are times where the language is more emotive, descriptive, and sensory. This contrast with the harsh directness and realism allows for those scenes to stand out, and makes the more detailed scenes easy to connect with and experience. The writing style allows you to understand what is going on, while maintaining the peoples social naivety necessary to fully experience the novel and allow the readers to develop their own understanding of the harsh reality of the government control, it allows you to move from the mindset of you shouldn’t act because you’ll be punished to you should act because you can make a difference. It truly allows a full immersion in the novel.

The plot. So, this plot is very unique, and initially seemed a little odd to me, but made me curious. The plot, initially, seems like a very far fetched idea, in terms of ever happening in reality, until I started to read it, and saw the news articles on banning eating on public transport. With the current rise in food related health risks, the novel seems much more realistic than it initially appears. The story is set a little while after the election of Mother Mason, and shows how radical a government can be by using this view on food and health. The story revolves around Mother Mason campaigning that her diet and calorie count is the best way to live as it has reduced/eliminated death by heart disease, diabetes and obesity, and she has managed to criminalise unhealthy foods, and those who make or eat it creating a stigma that has the exact widespread effect that she wanted. However, while laws to promote and help healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle is a good thing, the plot shows how it can be taken too far and have negative effects. It is an interesting story to watch unfold, and with the addition of the rebel group and ultimately the plot line to replace Mother Mason begins to occur, the story has more conflict and makes for an intriguing and unique read. Moreover, the story is unpredictable and definitely keeps you questioning.

The world and structure. Though this is not a fantasy novel, it does have some impressive world building type elements, though more in terms of structure. Despite being modelled on our own world, but in a different timeline, a lot has gone into it. The main focus we have is on a little town called ‘Bunham’ in Norfolk, a small country vibe county, a choice that was spectacular as it allowed you to see the widespread effects of the laws on even the smallest areas. However, Wade created a lot of in-depth ideas that we see in this small town from the Shame-box to re-education to structured exercise and identification cards. The world is centred around surveillance, as though governed by Foucault’s idea of the panopticon, the idea that the people are always behaving as if they are being watched because they never know if they are or not, and everything Wade built and incorporated into the story worked well and illustrated just what kind of country they are living in. The world is masterfully created and truly makes you think about society.

The characters. All of the characters in this story are well developed, and there is diversity in ability, with a character who is in a wheelchair and one who is diabetic, though there is room for more diversity, there is some evident in the novel which is nice to see.

Olivia, being the main character, is the one we see the most of and she is very well crafted. She is realistic and multi-dimensional with many traits that make her easy to relate to. Olivia was independent and self-sufficient prior to Mother Mason’s reign but as a consequence of the new laws she has retreated into herself, become stuck and bound by this new way of life. However, despite this she is creative, clever, and a wonderful mother who just wants to protect her children. As the story goes on she begins to become more independent and determined, the person she use to be, despite having doubts she manages to continue to fight and try to break out of the shackles she has been bound by. Olivia is a great character, strong, flawed and yet very determined- it is easy to connect with her and understand which makes the story more engaging.

The ‘villain’ of the story is, of course, Mother Mason who appears vindictive, clever and controlling. Yet, we don’t see much of her, other than her propaganda material, and you don’t need to. The lack of Mother Mason’s actual presence coupled with the fear and power she projects without being there is much more effective in this particular story as it is almost an invisible threat but one you know exists. Moreover, the use of using ordinary people, like your neighbours and friends, as surveillance and enforcers is much more effective and scary as it is almost more real and plays on deeper fears. It is an excellent use of a villain and her power, very clever and masterfully done.

Alice, Dev, Bronwyn, Danny, the children, Mary, Faye, and other characters like Ray and Lewis are all very well created. Alice is headstrong, independent and ready to fight, she is the support Olivia needed to break out on her own- she is flawed but is undoubtedly strong and easy to connect with. Bronwyn is a fun character who is also a strong character who is very individual and great to read about. All the characters are interesting and many of them have secrets that are unpredictable and surprises you. I loved the characters and hated the ones that were ‘evil’ but also acknowledged the situation they are in. The relationships and friendships between characters are well crafted and they connect easily, and when they fight it is emotional and reflective of reality.

Overall, this story is amazing, well crafted, and truly makes you think about society. With a focus on oppression, fighting the system and surveillance, it is in-depth and interesting. The end of the book is truly profound as you realise, how far is too far, not everything will change immediately, and to what extent do we, as humans, have a choice in times of fear.

Claire Wade has masterfully created a book with a profound insight into control and the government that is also a great read. The aspect of choice and humanity is brilliant and the characters are amazing, strong and able to fight back. This story shows the strength of people, particularly women, and I loved it!

*I received an eARC of #TheChoice by Claire Wade from #Netgalley @orionbooks in exchange for an honest review.*

[Olga Gibbs · Rating 1 out of 5]

In a sentence: this story is a white middle-class person's imagination of what a totalitarian and controlling society is. Laughable.
I cannot imagine proposing such concept to my grandma who lived under Stalin’s rule, or to my once neighbours, old women and men, who survived the blockade of Leningrad and were eating people.
Yeah, yeah, I hear – my country’s story is truly horrific, but to center a story around a cake, and the inability to consume one, is utterly ridiculous; and to win an award for that is a mind-blowing affair of a protected, white middle-class privileged outlook on life.
Besides, the story is full of inconsistencies of someone who never starved in their life: a child pushing peas around the plate, whilst the narrator wants us to believe that they’re always left hungry by Mother Hubbard (or whatever Mother’s name is). Let me tell you something: when you’re truly starving, for a week with one meal of a slice of grey bread and a bowl of watery soup, and I have experienced it during the USSR collapse, peas would be the most delicious and glorious food on the face of the earth. You’d eat it all, lick the plate clean and try to steal more - somewhere, somehow.
I couldn’t go past 40% of the story: the constant eye-rolling wouldn’t allow me to keep reading.

[Steve Hollis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that this is one of the worst books I've ever read. Whilst the initial concept seemed interesting, it is never developed or made real in any way that connects.
Any successful Dystopian story takes the reality we live in and stretches it to it's most horrendous conclusion. Whilst horrified, we recognise the possibility of the potential. The idea of a government banning sugar and turning the UK into a totalitarian nightmare of fitness and health is absolutely laughable in a country in which there is literally no appetite for it. To make that even remotely believable you'd better know what you're doing. Other than the occasional reference to health costs Wade creates no context as to how this would happen.
The characters are paper thin, dull cliches, the feminist point massively undermined by the fact our heroine just wants to bake, the descriptions of food repetitively pornographic and the ending as lazy as The Sopranos. Avoid at all costs.

[Valeria Marquez · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had the unfortunate opportunity of reading this book for book club and can confidently say it is the worst book I have ever read. The author should have kept this as a light read about a girl who loved to bake. Instead, she attempted to make it more deep, talking about toxic diet culture and a dystopian world where the government controls your diet. She failed. It didn’t make any sense. The timeline is a mess. The main character is incredibly unlike able. Half of the book is the main character and her annoying children. I wanted to read a book about a dystopian oppressive world but instead I got “mommy this” and “mommy that.” I skipped a quarter of the book and did not miss anything worthwhile. If you are thinking about reading this book, I suggest you skip it entirely!

[Anna Curran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably 3.5 stars because I didn't enjoy the writing style, it came across as very chick-lit-y despite being a dystopian novel. The plot was interesting and it did feel like it was possible, although maybe less so towards the end. Despite the writing style I still found myself pretty gripped - I'd say this was an attempt at a book like Vox by Christina Dalcher but ended up giving off some Hunger Games vibes?? Does this make sense??

[Christina Dalcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! Review coming soon...

[Christiane Clegg · Rating 1 out of 5]

What to say about this book…I really wanted to like it. It sounded like an interesting premise but it just didn’t deliver. The whole time I felt I was reading a spoof dystopian story. The plot ranges from banal, bordering on boring to predictable and downright ridiculous.

The supporting cast are two dimensional with zero backstory. The only somewhat fleshed out character is the main protagonist. And boy is she annoying and an absolute expert in bad decision making. At no point did I worry about her or her friends and family. We are told about threatening and dangerous events, but that doesn’t come through in the writing.

One thing that bothered me a lot was the subtle body shaming in the latter stages of the story. I get what it meant to achieve but it could have been handled differently.

[Phil Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

A better idea than it is a book. The notion of a world without sugar and in which baking is banned is interesting; however, the way the idea is realised is flawed. At times this is an almost cartoonish representation of the world Wade is creating and there are serious pacing issues in the exposition. This book takes forever to create a fully realised AR-world and doesn’t really manage it all that well.

A decent idea and a decent enough book but ultimately disappointing.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me absolutely hooked, stealing any spare minute I had to read another page or two, would definitely recommend!

[Laura Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, even if it was a bit scary the way the government could one day control us via what we eat & exercise! Interesting concept and characters!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was scary!

The premise was really interesting a world in which sugar is banned, where only healthy food is allowed and you are watched and monitored at every turn. I jokingly texted my best friend when I started this saying I would be screwed as I have a massive sweet tooth. This book was so well written as to be believable which I think was the scariest thing. A world in which people voted for this, believing it was the best thing for them and all across the world we see people do this kind of thing

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic read! With some elements resonating with what we're going through right now, there was an added level of...tension + possibility, if that makes sense? It seemed like it could genuinely be happening in the real world

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you hear the saying “Mother knows best” it conjures up an image of your mum knowing what is good for you, helping you to make good and right decisions to hopefully give you the tools for living and leading a good life in the future. However, what if that guiding encouragement is taken to the extreme and becomes more than guidance. What if it becomes a regime! What if Mother is a dictator that does know what is best and controls your life, health, exercise and in fact permeates your every waking moment!

The author has done an amazing job of exploring the idea of choice to a wonderful level. Having a choice about the things we eat, drink, talk about and take part in, is part of our way of life. The author has used the character of Mother Mason to show how a figure in power can use and a political platform and then abuse her position to create a society that lives in fear.

The main protagonist of this story is Olivia Pritchard, a wife and mum of two. She lives in perpetual fear. Fear of being caught doing or saying the wrong thing, of being noticed and it consumes her life. The consequences of making a mistake are severe. It could impact her life, but more importantly the lives of her two children. This is a story that shows Olivia’s “Mothers Love” can make cause drastic and life-threatening implications.

I adored the style and theme of this story. The author has taken the idea of certain foods being bad for us and taking it to a whole new level along with the idea that rules regarding how a healthy life should be lived. Because of this basis, the story has a really good believable feel to it. Government guidelines are often in the news about what we should eat more of, what we should limit ourselves to and how much exercise we should have. While these guidelines are good, they are also ever-changing.

Olivia was a character that I immediately felt for, I felt sorry for her and I could see why she worried about everything. She was the quiet one who had priorities. Her friend, the slightly reckless Alice, didn’t have children so she could afford to be a little more outspoken in her views. As the story progressed from the opening few chapters, real oppression could be felt. It gradually got deeper and the full implications started to come to light.

I do love a good dystopian novel that has it’s feet well and truly in the Orwellian Big Brother-style and this book really did have that feel.. The fear of your neighbour or someone overhearing a remark or seeing something was so good. It added a thrill element to the story that had me on the edge of my seat.

This is a story that has a core of character that are the main players, there are a few others that are introduced but not too many that you lose track of them. This keeps the flow of the reading as I didn’t have to remember who was who.

This was a fabulous read and had me totally hooked. If you are a fan of this style of story then you are going to love The Choice. It gets definitely recommended from Me!

[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dystopian future may not be far away…

Before I begin my review properly, I must acknowledge the cover to The Choice. With food and healthy eating so important to the plot, and women in charge of the country, the illusion images of inversion/subversion, an apple and a female head could not be more fitting. Superb.

On my goodness! I felt most uncomfortable reading The Choice as I was tense and unnerved from beginning to end by Claire Wade’s writing. I think it says something about the quality of this book that I felt enraged and helpless in equal measure – exactly like Olivia. There’s a genuine Orwellian undercurrent to the prose and narrative that gets under the reader’s skin until they feel complicit in the action. Even worse, I had the horrible sensation as I read, that this is no distant Orwellian future or allegorical farm, but a situation that might be happening very soon in our present lives. I think it’s the Norwich setting that adds so much to the sense of unease. Norfolk is seen as such a gentle, rural county and yet here in The Choice we see the potential for evil, for mass control and for man’s (and, especially, woman’s) inhumanity so that there is even greater impact.

I abhor unfairness, and reading The Choice made me rage, but also made me feel ashamed. I’m not sure that I wouldn’t have simply capitulated under Mother Mason’s regime if it meant protecting my family and yet Claire Wade makes it clear what the morally correct decision is so that she entirely got inside my head with her writing.

The plot is cleverly constructed; every element is so utterly plausible and resonates with histories we have already witnessed or futures that could so easily happen. As the story unfolded I struggled with the level of reference to food, not because it wasn’t crucial to the plot, but because the descriptions of taste and aroma are so convincing that I was permanently hungry as I read. I’d love to see The Choice as a television series. I think it would have audiences gripped.

I’m not sure how far it was the intention of Claire Wade to affect her readers so directly in writing The Choice, but she has led me to reevaluate my life, my view of morality and choice, and my attitude to food and my weight. I’m trying hard to be less of a slave to my Fitbit now! There are clear messages about what is valuable in life and how family, friendship and love are the most powerful catalysts for change. That said, there is also a horribly realistic presentation of the concept that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely so that The Choice is a book to disturb, to make you think and to make you realise you’d better beware what you wish for. I found it fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by The Choice as soon as I saw the eye-catching cover and then I read the synopsis and knew I had to read this book as soon as I could!

The Choice is set in a dystopian world that feels not dissimilar to ours except that sugar has been banned. Food is rationed by the state and hobbies like baking are illegal. People are weighed at the supermarket, at the gym and at social events and all their health data is readily available to officials. People who break the law are put in perspex boxes in public places to be shamed for what they’ve done.

The book mainly follows Olivia as she struggles to cope in this world when in her life before this happened she was a successful baker. She really misses what she did before and who she was before. You can really sense as the book goes on that there is anger bubbling away inside her but it’s kept at bay by the fear of being taken from her children.

I was a little apprehensive that this book was just going to be a take on The Handmaid’s Tale but it isn’t and it does stand separately from it. The fact that The Choice is set in our world and in what feels to be a very close timeline to where we are now is the difference and it’s so terrifying for that reason. We already see people being judged and shamed for their weight and there isn’t as much understanding as there should be for why people might be over, or even under, weight. It’s such a complex issue but the way sugar in food is already been swapped for horrible sweeteners is scary to me and makes this book feel all the more real.

The other thing that I took from this book is the way that Wade is able to show in such a powerful way what it is to be trapped in a situation where your world is getting smaller and you can no longer do what you love or eat what you love. It felt to me that Wade has used her experience of chronic illness to show what it is to be imprisoned in you own life through no fault of your own. I could really sense that given my own disability and how small my world is because of that.

All-in-all this is a great debut novel and well worth picking up. I’ll definitely be looking out for whatever Claire Wade writes next!

This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me a little of 1984, The Handmaid's Tale, and The Disappeared with the Mother Mason figure as this all-knowing, kind-faced leader ala Big Brother. I haven't read either, but I think it also has vibes of The Power and Vox from what I've heard about them

We follow Olivia, a woman living beneath Mother Mason's strict health and nutrition regime. In this near-future England, everything people do and eat is strictly monitored. Food is rationed and weight is recorded daily, in the hopes of keeping everyone healthy and banishing illness. But, in her previous life, Olivia was a baker and she can't stop thinking about sugar, butter, and vanilla - despite the fact that cake has become illegal

This book made me think about government generally and how things can become the norm once they're law. It did feel as though this regime was implemented quite quickly, but I suppose that's how dictatorships work

I liked that, in ways, it was a quiet book, about the small things people can do to rebel against the higher powers. Everyone has a role to play in the rebellion

This book stayed very much on the surface for me, character-wise. Though we get to know Olivia quite well, I never felt attached to her. All of her actions are dictated by wanting to rebel and bake, so she wasn't a particularly layered protagonist

*This e-arc was sent to me by Net Galley and Orion Vooks in exchange for an honest review*

[Chloe · Rating 1 out of 5]

i thought this book was going to be commentary on diet culture and the societal pressure that women face to be skinny and beautiful and perfect — and the resulting dysfunctional relationship with food that so many of us go on to face. it’s … not? i still don’t even know what point this book was trying to make. the food and diet stuff is all taken so lightheartedly in this book that i’m forced to believe the authors point was more in the government and how they make choices for us, and that running a commune is the best option for us all. not that i really disagree or anything, i just don’t understand … as a reader, i am walking away from this book so confused.

the main character sucks btw. i literally cannot stand her, and it made reading this book so painful.

also, in my opinion, the language used in this book to describe overweight people and fatty foods was fatphobic and is part of the problem. especially since it was coming from the main characters perspective, who we’re clearly meant to trust and believe in.

a bad book. don’t waste your time!

[Isabella May · Rating 5 out of 5]

A roller coaster of a read: hold on tight!

One of the most unique and cleverly plotted books I have ever read. I'm a huge foodie, baker & cake connoisseur so the idea of a sugar ban petrified me, and yet despite the warped twists and turns enforced by Mother Mason and her government, it was impossible to put down this story for long. I just had to know what would happen next! What takes this book to the next level though, is the way in which both the modern and historical worlds can take this story as a metaphor for so many current and past events. It's truly scary how little it takes to brainwash a nation. The author has captured the essence of that, as if it were, indeed, a bottle of vanilla. No mean feat. This is an absolute must-read. I'll be recommending it to all my booky friends! Excited to see how this incredible debut is followed up...

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is a mix between The Handmaid's Tale, 1984 and The Hunger Games Trilogy: it doesn't really bring anything new to the table. I still found the book quite enjoyable but wished it hadn't been so obvisouly inspired by the works I mentioned.

[Cathryn Attwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

The NHS was on its knees, the government was crumbling, society was morbidly obese and riddled with diseases linked to lack of exercise and poor diet.
Mother Mason offered the solution, everyone throughout the UK voted for her unanimously.

Now the government has outlawed sugar and fat. All children are weighed weekly, adults attend compulsory compulsory exercise classes. All for the good of the nation.

But why are women disappearing?

Olivia lives in constant fear for herself and her family, monitoring every mouthful every step.
A former baker she dreams of cakes and biscuits.

Her friend Alice wants to bring down the whole system, but is Olivia brave enough to join her?

Very Margaret Atwood style dystopian thriller. Easy read, bit daft though that one woman and her cake brings down a totalitarian state 🙈
Hey ho let them eat 🍰

[Samantha Tonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chilling read that makes you think about modern government and the direction it is heading in - cleverly coupled with the appealing, warm theme of baking.
A world in which sugar is illegal? I had to read this and dived straight in, enjoying every page with equal measures of curiosity and horror.
Wade's writing is gripping, with relatable characters you care about and problems you want resolved. She had me guessing until the last page.
Compulsive. Heartfelt. And altogether delicious!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your life is not your own, you eat what you're told, you exercise when told, no shopping, no cakes or alcohol & the breaking of any rules puts you in a shame box for the public to see. Sadly with the state of what's happening in the world right now, our lives are slowly being taken over by the powers that be 😔 If you liked the Handmaid's tale or Vox you'll love this dystopian masterpiece.

[Sara Eames · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent dystopian novel that has well-written characters and a plot that moves at a steady pace. You will be rooting for the main characters throughout the book and will follow each twist and turn as the story unfolds. Highly recommended.