Fallow

This book reminded me so much of A Good Person by Kirsten King, which I read recently and really enjoyed. Both have that dark, slightly twisted humor that is definitely not for everyone, but I love it. Natalie Gallagher is a smart young woman who has never liked to work. Not as a teenager, not at her summer jobs, and certainly not as an adult bouncing from one dead-end job to another. Growing up as one of eleven daughters in a chaotic household didn't help. Desperate for money and selling her blood plasma to make ends meet, she stumbles upon an unusual opportunity with a corporation known as The Company. Its brilliant new idea? Help successful working women avoid the inconvenience of pregnancy and maternity leave by hiring someone to have their babies. Of course, it's presented as an advancement for women in the workplace, but the entire thing is as backwards as it sounds. For Natalie, who would do anything to avoid a conventional job, the offer is irresistible. Seven babies in ten years, a comfortable lifestyle, and plenty of time off. What could possibly go wrong? Well, plenty, but I'm not going to spoil it. There is a lot of detail about pregnancy, but underneath all the absurdity is a sharp commentary on corporate greed, motherhood, and what we consider women's progress. The humor is downright bizarre and I was thoroughly entertained!