Jean L

The War in Europe ended in 1940 when the British surrendered to Germany. In defeat, the people in Great Britain suffered the loss of the rights that made the England english. Germany created a caste system that rated all people in the country according to the value to society and to men. At the top we're the Geli Girls whose job was to prepare to be the wives and mothers of the the officers. At the other end of the spectrum were the Freides who were passed the age of fifty. They were used up. They were the cemetery people. They lived under the most austere conditions in a place called Widowland.

The book, WIDOWLAND, opens in 1953. There is excitement in the air. After 13 years, the powers that be, have granted everyone a day off from work so that everyone can watch the coronation of Edward VIII and Wallis as king and queen. Televisions are being set up all over the kingdom so everyone will be able to watch the festivities. Only later will Edward realize that he has no power. The leader from Germany plans to attend.

The main character in the story is Rose Ransom. She is a Geli Girl. She has been involved romantically with a senior government official. This is not allowed but it is not a problem for her. She is beginning to question the relationship. One other thing she does that is illegal is she writes. The Alliance does not want people to write. They hope that with a little more time nobody will be able to write. Rose's job is to rewrite the classics so all examples of women in leadership roles will be eliminated.

Rose's growing independence in dramatic fashion commits the ultimate crime against the Alliance.

This book will stay in my mind for a long time. Though this was a fantasy, the thought of a world without an England is scary. Rose's story is about an awakening of independence. She gains courage through her contacts with Freides in widowland.