The book started out strongly, but I think the ending was weak and is the primary reason for the low rating. I generally love to read dystopia style novels, but I wasn't impressed with the word building. I think a lot was left for the reader to assume, so I end up not seeing the world entirely believable.

This novel is as described by one reviewer: 'The Scarlet Letter' meets 'The Handmaid's Tale'. Although the prose may not be on par of someone like Atwood, the storytelling is. The premise of this book seems frighteningly possible, especially with political culture shifting to the right in the United States. This book is thought provoking and well done; even if some may argue that the supporting characters are not well developed (and this may be true although it is the story of the protagonist that matters and the other characters are only relevant in terms of the journey she has to make). Furthermore, some may argue that this novel is too "preachy" of left wing values but the point it made is in keeping with my belief system so I didn't feel the author was trying to push or convince me. Those who believe otherwise may feel differently. One of the best of 2011! Unputdownable.

It started out well but began to feel more like left wing propaganda and less like a story.

This novel is set in a future United States and Hannah Payne is a young woman in her twenties brought up in a strong evangelical household in Dallas. Hannah has always had a rebellious streak, wanting to know the why behind things in her world. She has a loving father, a somewhat stricter mother, and a sister, Becca, she is close to. When Hannah falls for a man who she should not, she tries to hold her feelings back, but when he reciprocates those feelings, she falls easily into a secret relationship. As the book begins, Hannah awakes in jail, having been died red as part of a punishment for aborting her baby. Hannah didn't give up the name of the doctor who helped her, or the father of her baby, and that has added more years to her sentence. When she is freed into society, she finds herself an outcast, struggling to survive. As she adjusts to her new circumstances and learns who to trust, Hannah finds that she is stronger than she ever thought. With elements from Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, and Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, this novel looks at society, its expectations, and its punishments in an interesting light. Thoroughly enjoyable read, and a good choice for a book club.

An interesting concept for a book. Set in not too distant future a women is sentenced to murder for having an abortion and genetically altered to live in society as the colour red. It had action and suspense and it was a quick read. I will say it felt a little preachy near the end which is why I didn't rate it higher.

"The Scarlet Letter" meets "The Handmaid's Tale" - there's almost nothing like "The Hunger Games" here.

Hard to believe that Hillary Jordan, the huge new historical fiction star, would try dystopian fiction next after her brilliant Mudbound. This reads like she's attempting to rewrite Hunger Games but cloaking it in "respectibility" by alluding repeatedly in the narrative to Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. (the main character's name is Hannah Payne). I wish I could say I was thrilled by the originality, but mostly I felt Hillary covered this territory already covered by others in a wandering and pedestrian manner. One focus of the narrative is Hannah's religious questioning which seems heartfelt and reflective of Hillary's own. I was very disappointed overall and just wish this had been better.

With political implications and an ominous take on the future, this novel makes one question our priorities and where we are headed, and yet, it also gives us hope. Hannah Payne is a courageous heroine but also a realistic one; she is human, and comes across with the flaws of a real person. A take on The Scarlet Letter, this manages to be completely original and fascinating. It is not the same as the Hunger Games, but those who enjoyed the suspense, the strong characters, and the futuristic elements of Hunger Games will also enjoy this compelling title.