I am delighted to share my review today for The Marriage Act by John Marrs. This book could be read as a stand-alone but it is the 2nd book in the series, The One was a brilliant book which I adored and was made into a TV series.
What if marriage was the law? Dare you disobey?
Britain. The near-future. A right-wing government believes it has the answer to society’s ills — the Sanctity of Marriage Act, which actively encourages marriage as the norm, punishing those who choose to remain single.
But four couples are about to discover just how impossible relationships can be when the government is monitoring every aspect of our personal lives — monitoring every word, every minor disagreement — and will use every tool in its arsenal to ensure everyone will love, honour and obey.
MY REVIEW
When the government gives incentives for people to marry it gives an unstable and unfair advantage to those couples who decide to take this route. Tax breaks, better homes, nicer cars and access to healthcare leaves those unmarried, widowed or divorced as second class citizens.
The authors continues on from The One where every person has their own genetic partner. This book is mentioned on several occasions and I did like this as it does add another dimension to the way control is used in such a coercive way. There are several characters in the book and the author uses them in a variety of ways to take The Marriage Act away from the traditional to monetized she consumer driven package.
This book is one that delves into the possibilities of how AI could be used to manipulate and control behaviour, lives, family dynamics and values. Because of the benefits of marriage, there is a certain amount of checking, recording and monitoring. The author introduces mediators who can elevate families for help. With elections approaching there is another faction that wants to end this marriage regime.
Having taken the vows out of a marriage and effectively turning into a contract or business transaction. As usual, the author adds a huge amount of food for thought and in a very provoking way. There are elements of danger as feelings, fears and beliefs are challenged. Some situation are shocking as the author takes things to an extreme level.
Ideal book for people who enjoy reading thrillers that have a speculative and dystopian style. Thought-provoking, chilling and addictive. I would definitely recommend this.
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