January Fifteenth

Probably more of a 3.5.

CW: mentions of domestic violence, suicide, polygamous cult and child marriage

I don't even know why I decided to pick up this novella. I think it was the premise of the UBI which is a topic I have been wanting to know about for while. Though after reading this book, I think my idea of the UBI was way more idealistic and not practical.

This story has four POVs - four women who are in very different circumstances and through their experiences, the author tries to throw light on how having the option of UBI will affect people based on their situations. It was especially illuminating to see how victims of domestic violence or those stuck in cults would feel having their own money, but at the same how the perpetrators might use this as another way to make use of the victims. I liked the two POVs representing women in these situations. The other two POVs I wasn't a huge fan of but one of them did offer up various views about UBI from lots of people.

I know I'm being very vague in my review and can't even articulate what I probably felt reading this book. I will say that if you are looking for a character focused story, you will get it but it may not be fully satisfactory. But if you are okay with a story that explores the pros and cons of UBI through the eyes of many characters, then you should find this fascinating.

This was a very ambitious novella. It tries to explore UBI and the arguments around it, while also trying to support multiple narratives and create an interesting four-act structure. I'm not sure it succeeds in any of its goals. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had been either a full-length novel (to better explore all the perspectives contained within), or if it focused on the stronger narratives (Hannah and Janelle's, specifically).