Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Katie Davidson

This is one of the most thought-provoking books I
have read in a long time. The issues presented are apparent in todays society
- except on a much, much smaller scale. Pro-life, or pro-choice. Now, I don't
know about anyone else who has read the book, but I find it difficult to
morally choose a "side" in these awful events.

 

The aftermath of the Second Civil war was
devastating, yet concise. It was fought over whether a woman should have the
right to abort a child or not. The armies agreed that there shall be no
termination of a fetus - but "Unwinding" is permitted. Unwinding is
the process of harvesting organs from children between the ages 13 and 18. The
condition was that all organs must be harvest - therefore the child is still "alive".
In my opinion, this is a very loose translation of the definition of living.

 

Unwind tells the story of three
children - all destined to be unwound. Connor is too difficult for his parents
to control. Risa is a ward of the state, and not talented enough to be of use
in this future society. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised,
predestined to be unwound for religious reasons.

 

Now, as I was first reading the book, I found these
scenarios completely outrageous and impossible. But as the story goes on,
I realized that scarily, this could occur - even if not in America. I warring
nation - desperate for compromise - will go to great lengths to preserve the
country and resources. While after this civil war, the country may have thought
it would be temporary solution to a ongoing problem. But my guess is
generations went on, not really caring about the Unwinds. It had become a
normal and accepted part of society - something that just happened. I believe
it was less of a matter of humanity and more of convenience - which is just as heart
wrenching as the difficult decisions made throughout the novel.

 

To this day, the line where life may begin is debatable from both sides.
But hopefully the horrible acts committed in this book will never be tolerated
in any sophisticated society.

~Katie, KY (14)