Reading level: Young Adult Hardcover: 335 pages Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (November 6, 2007)
Rating:
My Thoughts - Unwind follows the journey of three individuals; Connor who is nothing but trouble and is constantly fighting in school, and for that reason his parents have decided he must be unwound. Risa having no family or a home, so society sees her as a burden - a burden they would rather not have - for that she is to be unwound. We then have Lev who is a different situation altogether. He is a Tithe and has been brainwashed ever since he was born on the basis that it is his fate to be tithed that it is something to be embraced, and is only for those who are special. The day Conner is confronted by police; changes everything, because it's the day he comes face to face with Risa and Lev. From then on their lives are intertwined and nothing will ever be the same.
Unwind is an amazing novel and ahead of its time, seriously. It explores chilling possibilities. It keeps you constantly on edge and grips you with horror. Whilst reading this I asked myself time and time again; if our parents had the choice, if the government had the choice; would they be willing to do the same? How far off is Neal Shusterman really? It sends chills down my spine when I think about it. Maybe this is one of the most thought - provoking things about the novel. Something that we can't help but contemplate.
Risa has lived rough all her life and it has made her stronger and street smart. Lev knows no better than to believe what he has been told from birth, and Conner has always acted before thinking. All these things have to be set aside when they are on the run; they must think first because not thinking right could cost them their lives.
There is A LOT of character growth in this novel. Although Risa and Conner want to help Lev he has an agenda of his own. At first it can be tough liking Lev, in fact, it's easy to hate the boy even if his thought - process isn't entirely his fault. Like mentioned above all there have their fair share of flaws, but it's this very aspect that makes their character growth so apparent and rewardable.
Everyone knows about being Unwind but no one knows what happens when you are Unwound. That's because no one has come out alive. It's behind this very concept that readers will be forced to face a scene that will not only terrify you, but bring you to tears. To want to hold and care for a character who until that moment we didn't like at all.
After the age of 18 you can no longer be Unwind, but believe me when I say 18 years is enough for the government to get their hands on as many as possible.
There are sad, tender, uplifting and terrifying moments in this book. Unwind is not an easy read. It's hard, gritty and disturbing at times. It messes with your head and brings up countless scenarios. But all is not hopeless in this novel; there is hope, love and redemption. Each character grows and learns. So much so that I felt so much towards the ending; happiness, joy and pride.
I adore this book, and I think a part of me always will. Unwind holds a special place and is a highlight for me this year.
Quote - "In a perfect world everything would be either black or white, right or wrong, and everyone would know the difference. But this isn't a perfect world. The problem is people who think it is."
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