The sort of alternate world in this novel wasn't quite different enough from ours to be that intriguing. I was under the impression that it would swap some concepts, but really, although the world's history and peoples are entirely different, it just greatly increased both the body shaming and demand that women act as sexual objects that we've got, and took our existing capitalism to some terrible and logical conclusions. Gave the impression that women really just can't win, and is notable for making lots of foods sound absolutely incredible, and lots of sex sound absolutely awful. ( )

Review of eGalley

In a future world, in Seagate, a religious town created to be the flagship town of the Stecopo Corporation, the people believe abstaining from food brings them closer to God. Despite the Corporation’s efforts to control everything that the Seagate citizens eat [and the religious community providing the support they need to do this], there are those who resist.

Beatrice Bolano, hungry and fascinated with forbidden foods [such as butter], is captivated by the smells, textures, and tastes of cooking and wishes to become a chef. But the citizens of Seagate consider restaurants, now driven underground, taboo. Can Beatrice find a way to fulfill her desire to cook?

Recipient of a technology scholarship, Reiko Rimando leaves home for college. But then, in the midst of her studies . . . and despite her flawless academic performance . . . the college pulls her scholarship. Should she switch her focus from her tech studies to art? Could she even contemplate staying at school without the scholarship funds?

In what might be a bit of irony, both Beatrice and Reiko come across a book, Ijo’s “The Kitchen Girl” and find within its pages both inspiration and strength to pursue what makes them happiest.

In a world where corporate greed dominates, can Beatrice and Reiko find their way to a life of freedom? And what of Ijo’s book?

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In this futuristic world where rising tides have washed away much of the land, food is not to be enjoyed [or eaten in public] and the less one eats, the better. On the other hand, pleasure is everything so sex, anywhere and everywhere, with anyone, at any time, is perfectly permissible.

While Beatrice struggles with her family’s unshakable faith, Reiko struggles with her low class. With class divisions and marginalization still part of the culture, readers may wonder if this society has simply traded one set of taboos for another. The distribution of wealth remains unequal; climate disasters remain [presumably putting foodstuffs in short supply], and women are still subservient. Sadly, it seems as if one set of prejudices has simply taken the place of previous biases.

Both Beatrice and Reiko want to fit in, but in their own way, on their own terms. Readers may root for them to find their way, but this is probably not a world in which many would wish to exist.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Gallery Books, Gallery / Saga Press and NetGalley
#TheThickandtheLean #NetGalley ( )