Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

Freedom and Fierceness in Upright Women Wanted

Upright Women Wanted is the latest novel written by Sarah Gailey (Magic for Liars, River of Teeth). This is a tale of feminism, freedom, and equality. Set in an alarmingly near future, this dystopian tells us of the struggle some people must face to be themselves.

This is a pulp Western novel with heavy dystopian and queer themes. The Librarians are nothing like the calm ladies and gentlemen you’ve come to know. But they serve an equally important purpose in this new society.

This is a novel I’ve been seeing nonstop talk about, and having now read it, I can completely understand why. The subjects addressed in this novel are both heavy and powerful, as is the message itself. Wrapped up inside a thrilling tale that makes this bit of fiction impossible to look away from.

Writing

Upright Women Wanted was an intense yet brilliant read. It’s made all the more alarming by the piece’s time period. This is a novel that easily could have been read as alternate history. But instead, it’s our theoretical future, which is a humbling thought.

Esther’s story is so heartbreaking and compelling. Sarah Gailey did a beautiful job of bringing her character to life, infusing her plight with such brutally raw emotion and circumstance. She shone so bright in this book, even when facing her own worst enemy (hint: herself).

This world may be dark where people don’t have the right to be who and what they want to be. But there is still some light in this world Gailey designed. The characters, for one. The Librarians’ whole purpose is inspiring and fascinating, and a story I would not mind reading more about.

I’m having trouble getting over the writing for Upright Women Wanted, which comes from a fan of the author. She blew me away here and provided a powerful and thought-provoking novel.

Development

Upright Women Wanted was as thrilling as it was emotional and powerful. The story sped along at an easy pace. There were plenty of sights and even more room for surprises and character development.

Summing it up as ‘character development’ doesn’t feel like a strong enough term here. Esther’s character did so much more than that as she came to terms with her past and love. It was beautiful and potent.

These moments were balanced out by the constant threat the Librarians faced and their journey and purpose in life. I do mean it when I say that I could happily read another ten books about the Librarians themselves. But that was probably a little obvious at this point, huh?

Conclusion

Upright Women Wanted was a brilliant example of writing. This story blends fiction with emotion, simultaneously giving us something raw yet human. I know this will be one story that will stick with me for a while now.

Best of all, this book is perfect for getting you to think. So, if you’re looking for a thought-provoking novel, sit down and read this one.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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