"Why did you go back?"
For those plagued by illness or disability, the world of Susan Moger's Of Better Blood is the worst place to live. It's 1922, and sixteen-year-old Rowan Collier's father is a big figure in the New England Betterment Council. He speaks at conventions and supports the forced sterilization of those "unfit" to add to the USA's next generation. What he doesn't mention is that when Rowan was eleven, she lost her legs to polio, and only one has fully recovered. Now she's a laughingstock in a traveling show, proof that people like her are a blight upon society. When a carny named Dorchy convinces her to escape the show's cruel directors, Rowan is exposed to a world she'd forgotten could exist--a world where she can be herself without fear of punishment. But things go wrong when a summer job reveals a terrible plot against the "unfit". It's not enough anymore to save their own skins. Now children are at risk, and the girls are determined to save them--no matter the price.
This doesn't read like historical fiction, although it technically is. In fact, without the dates and city names, Rowan's tale could take place at any time or place, real or imaginary. That is one of the things that makes it so good: it makes good use of its setting without being defined by it. Yet, in some ways, it could not exist without this glimpse into the United States' past. It's a glimpse of twentieth century eugenics through the eyes of one of its victims, yet is not centered around Rowan's struggles against this movement. The primary conflict, when it finally reveals itself, is fought over the orphans whose lives have been threatened by members of the Betterment Council. This focus on plot over world brings a strong sense of realism to the piece, making everything much more immersive.
Despite this, the characters are not all rounded and dynamic. Though Rowan and Dorchy are certainly great heroes with a story worth following, there are times when they are a bit on the static side. On the other hand, this could merely be a side effect of the great changes that transform them over the course of the story. These changes are so subtle, and take so long to reveal themselves clearly, that for a while it's as if no change is taking place at all. Regardless, their personalities are intricate and likable, two ingredients that make for strong protagonists. And when their inner arcs come to fruition, it's at the right moment and with a worthy impact.
When it comes to the plot, Rowan and Dorchy are never short of surprises to throw at their readers. From a high-speed getaway to a desperate climb and a call for help, there are as many twists and turns within these pages as in a lab rat's maze. Between the occasional flashback and villains too wicked to describe here, they've got their hands full simply staying alive. Yet they want to do more than survive. If they have their way, innocent lives will be spared. The only trouble lies in the hardship it'll take to accomplish just that. Their mission is not only admirable, it's absorbing, making turning these pages quickly that much easier.
The flag-raising content in this novel is rare and sprinkled with a careful distance between each instance. Romance is nonexistent; however, an adult tries to take advantage of a younger "unfortunate". An old term for African Americans, which is now considered insulting, is used a couple of times. This is done not out of malice but as part of the setting, as it was considered a technical term during that era. While there is a spot of violence, most of the tension comes from tight spots these girls have to worm their way out of using their brains. Any slightly graphic content stems from an illness that is more than meets the eye, and is not actually gory.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a work of YA historical fiction with a kick. Susan Moger's Of Better Blood turns the sins of the past into a very real tragedy, as experienced by Rowan Collier. Even with her crippled leg, Rowan's fight to help others sparks friendships and inspires a miniature war against people who'd hurt those in need. She's proof that the body does not define the person inside it. Though not without its flaws, the tale of Rowan and Dorchy is singularly unforgettable, and deserves a solid four stars.
Despite this, the characters are not all rounded and dynamic. Though Rowan and Dorchy are certainly great heroes with a story worth following, there are times when they are a bit on the static side. On the other hand, this could merely be a side effect of the great changes that transform them over the course of the story. These changes are so subtle, and take so long to reveal themselves clearly, that for a while it's as if no change is taking place at all. Regardless, their personalities are intricate and likable, two ingredients that make for strong protagonists. And when their inner arcs come to fruition, it's at the right moment and with a worthy impact.
When it comes to the plot, Rowan and Dorchy are never short of surprises to throw at their readers. From a high-speed getaway to a desperate climb and a call for help, there are as many twists and turns within these pages as in a lab rat's maze. Between the occasional flashback and villains too wicked to describe here, they've got their hands full simply staying alive. Yet they want to do more than survive. If they have their way, innocent lives will be spared. The only trouble lies in the hardship it'll take to accomplish just that. Their mission is not only admirable, it's absorbing, making turning these pages quickly that much easier.
The flag-raising content in this novel is rare and sprinkled with a careful distance between each instance. Romance is nonexistent; however, an adult tries to take advantage of a younger "unfortunate". An old term for African Americans, which is now considered insulting, is used a couple of times. This is done not out of malice but as part of the setting, as it was considered a technical term during that era. While there is a spot of violence, most of the tension comes from tight spots these girls have to worm their way out of using their brains. Any slightly graphic content stems from an illness that is more than meets the eye, and is not actually gory.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a work of YA historical fiction with a kick. Susan Moger's Of Better Blood turns the sins of the past into a very real tragedy, as experienced by Rowan Collier. Even with her crippled leg, Rowan's fight to help others sparks friendships and inspires a miniature war against people who'd hurt those in need. She's proof that the body does not define the person inside it. Though not without its flaws, the tale of Rowan and Dorchy is singularly unforgettable, and deserves a solid four stars.
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