Blue Ticket by Sophie Mackintosh

In a world far away and yet very much like our own, women are given a ticket as soon as they reach maturity. A white ticket proclaims that you are wife/mother material and a blue ticket sets you out into the world to work, drink, smoke and sleep around as much as you like never forming any lasting relationships. Calla got a blue ticket but wants much more so she takes matters into her own hands. Once she becomes pregnant she knows they will come for her and it can only end badly so she goes on the run. While out there she meets a couple of women in much the same boat as she is in and they help each other to stay free and somehow reach the border to safety. As with THE WATER CURE, Mackintosh gives us a subtle version of horror and the power of men. She instills in us the same fear, desperation and anger that Calla feels towards the system as well as the promise of new life, the magic that is taking place within her body and the common reactions of all pregnant women. Magical and powerful this is a must if you loved HANDMAIDS TALE and survival stories of militant women.  4 stars