Nomansland Review

Author: Lesley Hauge

Release Date: June 22, 2010

Pages: 256 (ARC)

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: From publisher for review

Sometime in the future, after devastating wars and fires, a lonely, windswept island in the north is populated solely by women. Among these women is a group of teenaged Trackers—expert equestrians and archers—whose job is to protect their shores from the enemy. The enemy, they’ve been told, is men. When these girls come upon a partially buried home from the distant past, they are fascinated by the strange objects—high-heeled shoes, teen magazines, make-up—found there. What are they to make of these mysterious things, which introduce a world they have never known? And what does it mean for their strict society where friendship is forbidden and rules must be obeyed—at all costs? Reminiscent of The Giver but with a feminist twist, Nomansland is a powerful, shocking story that will challenge young readers’ perspectives and provoke much discussion over the timely and controversial issues presented.
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Nomansland had a very interesting concept, but it didn't really grab me until the ending.

Like a lot of dystopias, it really made me think. The plot wasn't necessarily slow, but not quite as fast as I would've liked. I think the issues with the pacing had a lot to do with a lack of conflict.

The characters were average. I think it was really hard to connect with any of them because they were really different, and we don't really have a lot in common with them. Kellar didn't stand out a whole lot, and her friend Laing was kind of annoying.

The writing was good, but nothing special. Lesley Hauge had a pretty good knack for storytelling, though.

The ending was definitely my favorite part of the entire novel. Questions were answered, I began to connect with the characters more, and I think it made the book for me. I wish it could've been longer. I'm expecting there to be a second book and I'll definitely want to read it when it comes out. Overall, it had a really interesting premise that didn't reach its full potential until the end.