39 pages • 1 hour read •
Outlawed
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
Western United States • 1890s
2021
Bloomsbury Publishing
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Outlawed by Anna North, 17-year-old Ada is shunned by her community for her inability to become pregnant, leading her to flee and join a group of outcasts known as the Hole in the Wall Gang. Ada embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting societal prejudices and aligning herself with other women marginalized for their infertility or sexuality. Sensitive topics such as accusations of witchcraft and violence are present.
Adventurous
Gritty
Dark
Mysterious
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
82,665 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Outlawed by Anna North offers a fresh spin on the Western genre by blending feminist themes with an alternative history narrative. Praised for its intriguing premise and strong, diverse characters, it engages readers with its fast-paced plot. However, critics note that some character development feels rushed, and the story can at times be predictable. Overall, it's an inventive and empowering read despite minor shortcomings.
Who Should Read Outlawed?
A reader who enjoys Outlawed by Anna North would appreciate feminist westerns with a strong emphasis on female empowerment and alternative history. Fans of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's Herland will find North's narrative captivating and thought-provoking.
82,665 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Kid
The Kid
The leader of the Hole in the Wall Gang, a complex and charismatic figure who defies traditional gender norms and holds a vision for a new society.
News
News
A mixed-race woman in the Gang, who faces discrimination based on her race and sexual orientation but remains a strong source of inspiration for others.
Lark
Lark
A castrated man who helps Ada explore her understanding of sexuality and desire, representing the challenges faced by those with non-conforming sexual identities.
Sheriff Branch
Sheriff Branch
The local law enforcement figure who prioritizes maintaining societal norms over true justice, making moral compromises to appease the community.
Outlawed was recognized in 2021 when it became a Reese's Book Club Pick, a significant accolade that highlights compelling and noteworthy contemporary literature.
Anna North is known for weaving feminist themes into her works, and Outlawed offers a unique feminist reimagining of the American Western genre, set in an alternate history.
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The book addresses complex themes such as gender and societal norms through a speculative lens, set in a post-apocalyptic world reminiscent of the Old West.
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272
Novel • Fiction
Western United States • 1890s
2021
Bloomsbury Publishing
Adult
18+ years
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