Title: That Inevitable Victorian Thing
Author: E.K. Johnston
First published October 3, 2017
330 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781101994979 (ISBN10: 1101994975)
Rating: 3.21
Overview
In a future not too far from our present reality, America is ravaged by a second civil war, and amidst the chaos and destruction, a journalist finds himself trapped in the heart of New York City- now a desolate and savage no-man’s-land. With an unflinching gaze, DMZ draws a stark picture of the atrocities of war and the devastating consequences of a so-called “war on terror” on innocent civilians.
About the Author
Before becoming a published writer, E.K. Johnston had various jobs and a calling. Through her experiences, she’s come to realize that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes there’s little to be done about it.
She’s also become skilled at powering through uncomfortable fanfiction that features a favorite pairing.
To delve deeper into Alderaanian political theory, you can follow Kate on Twitter at @ek_johnston. If aesthetically pleasing images are more your thing, you can check out her Tumblr blog at ekjohnston.
Editoral Review
E.K. Johnston’s That Inevitable Victorian Thing is a captivating young adult novel set in an alternate timeline where the British Empire still dominates the world in the present day. First published on October 3, 2017, the book offers a fresh take on historical fiction, blending elements of science fiction and romance to create a story that is both familiar and completely unique.
Johnston’s writing style is fluid and captivating, filling each page with richly detailed descriptions of a world unlike any other. Her characters are vividly drawn, each one unique in their own right and fully realized within the story’s confines.
As a result, readers are easily drawn into the intricacies of the plot, which explores issues of tradition, identity, and self-discovery in a way that feels fresh and exciting. The novel’s central plot involves a trio of young adults – Margaret, Helena, and August – who are all grappling with different aspects of their Victorian identity.
Margaret is a member of the royal family, but her genes have been purposefully manipulated to erase any trace of her African ancestry. Helena, meanwhile, is a commoner who has been placed in a royal matchmaking program by her ambitious parents.
And August, a young inventor from Canada, is drawn into their world when he is hired to work on a secret project that could change the course of history. As the three characters draw closer together, their individual struggles become intertwined, and the novel becomes a complex exploration of identity, love, and the universal human desire for connection.
Each character is given ample space to develop and grow, and Johnston’s writing is deft enough to make it all seem natural and effortless. But where That Inevitable Victorian Thing truly shines is in its exploration of themes that are both timeless and timely.
By placing the story in an alternate timeline, Johnston gets to examine the issues of race, gender, and societal expectations without feeling weighed down by historical accuracy. The result is a narrative that feels both fresh and necessary, addressing the challenges of our own world through the lens of a beautifully crafted alternate universe.
While there are a few moments where the plot feels a bit predictable, Johnston’s strength as a writer is in her ability to create characters that are so fully realized that they keep you invested in the story regardless of where it’s headed. Additionally, the novel’s pacing is expertly handled, with plenty of action and emotional moments to keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
Overall, That Inevitable Victorian Thing is a stunning debut novel that defies easy categorization. By blending genres and crafting a wholly unique alternate timeline, E.K. Johnston has created a story that is both insightful and entertaining.
Highly recommended for fans of young adult fiction and readers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives that explore issues of identity and societal norms.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
