In fact, there's so much to talk about with Unwind that I'm going to break this down into sections.
The Basics
Unwind was at the advent and somewhat predates the YA dystopian craze, as it was released in 2007--two years after Uglies and one year before The Hunger Games. It was originally a stand-alone novel, and yes I'm just going to tell you: it has a pretty definite ending. However, a sequel was released in 2012, followed by two more, completing the "Dystology." Apparently it was originally going to be a trilogy but since the final book was long, the publisher suggested making it four. And if Goodreads is any indication, it stays awesome.
The story takes place in the future after a war over reproductive rights, in which it was decided that life could not be touched after conception until the age of 13. Between 13 and 18 years old, parents have the option of "unwinding" their children, which means that every part of them will be able to be reused in a medical transplant or operation, so they are technically "alive." It follows Connor, whose parents simply didn't care enough to keep him around; Risa, a ward of the state (aka no one wanted her), who was scheduled for unwinding because of budget cuts; and Lev, a "tithe" who was born to be unwound as a religious sacrifice. The three of them essentially end up as fugitives and explore and struggle in this world.
The Worldbuilding
For me, this was the best part. Aside from the Bill of Life, we are not really told too much about this world, and so in the grand tradition of showing instead of telling, Shusterman navigates us through this futuristic society as we follow the kids on their journey. First we are introduced to Connor's pain at being unwound simply because his parents don't really care for him; then we meet Risa at the state home and learn about that aspect a little; and then we are introduced to Lev, tithing, the state of religion, and the complicated feelings some of the pastors and citizens have with the concept.
As they explore the world, we learn more as it is relevant. How some babies are "storked," or left on doorsteps, because mothers don't want them. How there are sympathizers and smugglers for Unwinds. How the harvest camps operate. Racism also still exists, just rebranded with different names for skin color. There are gay couples. And the kids scheduled for Unwinding aren't necessarily supportive of each other.
For me at least, this is a worldbuilding technique that is very effective, and it allowed me feel as though I "fell into the world," which is always satisfying.
The Tension
So I do have to admit here somewhere: part of why I enjoyed this book so much was certainly down to personal nostalgia. When I was younger, one of my favorite series was On the Run by Gordon Korman, as well as its sequel series, Kidnapped. These followed two siblings whose parents had been arrested for treason but they kids were pretty sure they were innocent, and when one of them accidentally burns down the farm-like juvie center they were living in (due to no one wanting to foster them), they race around the country as fugitives to find out the truth and stay alive. While, in hindsight, the series likely stretched credibility (although Kidnapped may have been more probable), it was still very thrilling.
And Unwind, with its own set of runaways, certainly reminded me of the thrill in On the Run. But it still was exciting (not to mention thought-provoking and disturbing) in its own right. The most effective rising tension section was one that consisted of very short chapters that alternated between two sides of a rising conflict with a mob mentality. There was also a great eerie scene in which Unwinding was described firsthand, but overall, I don't want to get into spoilers!
The Politics
Well, this is possibly the most interesting part. Certainly, Unwind is based around the issue of abortion, and very much around a "what if?" situation, as it's probably very unlikely we will fight a war over the topic. That said, Unwind does point out that once wars begin, it's more about crushing and hating the other side that believing in anything. Regardless, you'd think from the premise that it would be pro-choice. In reality, it isn't quite that simple--as should be expected, honestly, by the fact that I've never really seen this book on any banned books lists.
Instead, Unwind looks at both sides as becoming corrupt, as evidenced by this quote by a character:
"On one side, people were murdering abortion doctors to protect the right to life, while on the other side people were getting pregnant just to sell their fetal tissue."Life is cheap, no longer valued as it once was. The debate and rules took precedent over the actual lives of children, and that's where the real horror lies. There's the fact that anyone is free to have children because they don't have to claim the responsibility, sure, but that isn't solely related to the elimination of early abortion: it's an effect of the war and how the issue became treated. And Unwinding, while disturbing, does serve some useful medical purposes...but how much is too much? As such, there are more contributing factors than simply the law, and it's complex (just like how I love my politics). Additionally, there's a hint of the existence of a soul not attached to the body, and the religious characters do make a point to say that they still believe in a God, but not one that condones Unwinding as they were led to believe.
Any Negatives?
Well, honestly, the characters themselves didn't make a huge impression on me. I certainly liked them and understood what they went through, and Shusterman is fabulous at conveying the emotion (the first chapter is a marvel, as is the end), but as a stand-alone novel (initially, at least), the characterization felt limited...or at least, they didn't stand out to me. I also kind of wish Risa got more screentime because as the respectable one, she changed the least and had less of a focus.
Conclusion
Read Unwind. (I mean, if it interests you.)
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