“Yours for the Taking” by Gabrielle Korn is a novel set in the near future of 2050, against the backdrop of a climate-ravaged world. The book primarily revolves around the Inside Project, an enclosed city-sized structure directed by Jacqueline Millender, a billionaire and women’s rights activist.
The story focuses on three women: Ava, who wins a spot in the Inside; Shelby, a business major who becomes Jacqueline’s personal assistant; and Olympia, the head of Inside’s medical department. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of gender equality, the challenges of creating a fulfilling life, and the construction of future societies.
The novel has received praise for its engaging tale of family, queer identity, and gender. However, some reviewers have noted that while the book ambitiously tackles significant themes like gender equality and societal structures, it doesn’t delve deeply enough into issues such as intersectionality and the nuances of race and sexuality. The choice to have Inside accept primarily educated, cis, and white women raises questions that the novel only touches on superficially.
Jacqueline Millender’s character, who envisions a society free from patriarchy and gendered violence, has been seen as a representation of radical white feminism. This portrayal has led some readers to interpret the book as a satire on the ‘white feminist girlboss’ archetype, though it’s unclear if this was Korn’s intention. The novel’s approach to depicting a utopian society that gradually reveals itself as a dystopia has been commended for its thought-provoking and timely themes.
Throughout the book, the three main characters grapple with their roles in this new world. Their stories span over 20 years and intersect, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and experiences. The narrative also raises questions about what an ideal world should look like, especially in the face of global challenges like climate change.
“Yours for the Taking” has been characterized as both romantic and provocative, offering a space for readers to contemplate its complex themes. Despite some criticisms regarding its depth in addressing certain social issues, the book has been lauded for its brisk and engaging prose and its exploration of family, queer identity, and the possibilities and challenges of gender dynamics in a dystopian future.
Sources: Kirkus Reviews, bookreporter, Geek Girl Authority
