Review: The Misconceiver by Lucy Ferriss
An unflinching exploration of the individual and social consequences of severe restriction of reproductive choice
The speculative fiction novel The Misconceiver by Lucy Ferriss is an unflinching exploration of the individual and social consequences of severe restriction of reproductive choice. Phoebe Masters, the story’s narrator, is a provider of illegal abortion services living in the United States in the 2020s, after the recent (fictional) overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to a nationwide ban on abortions. The novel, originally published in 1997, has been re-released due to its heightened relevance in the wake of the (non-fictional) overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
From its very first scene, in which 15-year-old Lucy performs an abortion on her older sister, The Misconceiver refuses to avert its eyes from the physiological realities, emotional impacts, and moral questions surrounding abortion. The author never indulges in euphemism, never relies on political or ideological stereotypes, and never reduces complex issues to pat answers. The storytelling is equal parts courageous and troubling, as a result. Readers hoping to reinforce their pre-existing positions on issues of reproductive choice will not find this story easy to read. Whatever your beliefs, whatever your experiences, whatever your positions—The Misconceiver will push you outside your comfort zone.
As a story, The Misconceiver offers complex characters and relationships, a fast-paced plot with a whodunnit framing, and surprising resolutions. As an exploration of the larger question of reproductive choice, The Misconceiver offers a provocative, nuanced perspective that demands deep thought and questioning by the reader. This would be an excellent book club selection for a group of respectful and open-minded readers. (Fans of Margaret Atwood and Octavia Butler may also find this book particularly up their alley.)
Only through meaningful conversations on the topic of reproductive choice can we as a society create culture and policy that support the health of everyone in our communities. Somewhere in this complex and fractured landscape of fervently-held opinions and deeply-entrenched political views, I truly believe there is common ground. Wouldn’t all of us choose, if we could, to live in a society of wanted children, loving families, and dignified lives and livelihoods for all people?
The Misconceiver challenges the reader to think deeply about how we, as individuals and as a society, should wield our power to create and destroy lives. I highly recommend this book to any reader comfortable facing provocative questions with an open mind.
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. This is an unpaid review.
On a 5-star scale, I rate this book 5 stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐