ELEUTHERIA - Allegra Hyde


 Willa Marks was raised by conspiracy-theory alarmist parents. As an adult, Willa leaves home but is stuck in a dead-end job. Until, that is, she meets Sylvia Gill, a Harvard professor who studies social movements. Sylvia is everything Willa has been looking for, and the professor has all the right answers for Willa's growing concerns about the earth and environment.

Unfortunately, Sylvia winds up betraying Willa and her beliefs, but Willa finds a book on Sylvia's shelf - by someone named Roy Adams - which motivates Willa. The book is practically a guide to mobilizing people to combat climate change.  Adams is gather disciples at his Camp Hope on the island of Eleutheria so Willa packs a few things and heads off, determined to change the world.

As Adams delays his plans for massive change, the shine starts to fade away from Camp hope and Willa begins to realize that there's more to Hope and Adams than meets the eye.

On the surface this seems like precisely the kind of book I'd be truly excited for.  An environmental theme, a hint of science fiction, and a lost protagonist finding her way.

Unfortunately the book spends more time in character emotional distress than exploring the themes present. 

I was bored very quickly into the book and nothing happened to change this for me.  Willa never rose to be a protagonist worth following. She was as dull and listless as the life she led.  With the appearance of Sylvia, I had hopes that there was something happening, but I was disappointed.  Then, with the appearance of Roy, I again had some hopes.  Here, at least, the story seemed to develop, but it was too little, too late for this reader.

Sometimes, when I don't enjoy a book, I will look at other reviews to see if there's something I missed in my reading - I would (and have) read the book again if reviews are so overwhelmingly positive. In this case, I agree with another reviewer who wrote that this reads like a YA book with adults. Angsty and emotion driven. If this is your thing, then you might enjoy this book.

Looking for a good book? Eleutheria by Allegra Hyde is a YA book dressed up in adult clothes, but lacks a hook to hang on to this reader.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

2-1/4 stars

* * * * * *

Eleutheria

author: Allegra Hyde

publisher: Vintage

ISBN: 9780593315248

paperback, 336 pages

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