William Hussey - The Outrage

 William Hussey - The Outrage

LGBTQ

Age 14+

About the book: 

"You know, when you live in a time of progress, it seems that progress is the only possible way. The idea that everything we'd gained, all of those hard-won rights, could be taken away from us, and that open minds could be closed again? But then the Outrage happened."

Welcome to England, where the Protectorate enforces the Public Good. Here, there are rules for everything - what to eat, what to wear, what to do, what to say, what to read, what to think, who to obey, who to hate, who to love. Your safety is assured, so long as you follow the rules.

Gabriel is a natural born rule-breaker. And his biggest crime of all? Being gay.

Gabriel knows his sexuality must be kept secret from all but his closest friends, not only to protect himself, but to protect his boyfriend. Because Eric isn't just the boy who has stolen Gabriel's heart. He's the son of the chief inspector at Degenerate Investigations ­­­- the man who poses the single biggest threat to Gabriel's life.

And the Protectorate are experts at exposing secrets.

My review: 

I've had The Outrage on my bookshelf for a few months now, and finally started reading it at lunch time today. Four hours later I slowly closed the final pages on a stunning book, full of real friendships between The Rebels and the raw relationship of Gabe and Eric, plus also humour, warmth and edge-of-your-seat stuff. The dual timelines really helped to add poignancy to early events, whilst the current timeline kept the pages turning. Relatable references (early warning signs?) from literature, film and history added even more depth to a book that more people should be reading and talking about. Will recommend to my book club to read next month.

5/5

Buy The Outrage from my online Usborne shop, Awesome Bookshop, £7.99