XX: The must-read feminist dystopian thriller

XX is a feminist novel of 2018 that follows two women who discover a ground-breaking clinical trial that enables them to have a female baby.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2019
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Winner of the Polari First Book Prize 2019


Featured on The Guardian's Best Books of 2018


One of the feminist novels of 2018


Stylist Magazine: "Handmaid's Tale-shaped hole in your life? Read XX."


The Times: "A pacy dystopian thriller."


Red Magazine: "A phenomenal debut."


Skinny: "Emotionally compelling."


Lauren Wilkinson: "HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR A CHILD OF YOUR OWN?"




When Rosie and Jules discover a groundbreaking clinical trial that enables two women to have a female baby, they jump at the chance to make history. However, fear-mongering politicians and right-wing movements quickly latch on to the controversies surrounding Ovum-to-Ovum (o-o) technology and stoke the fears of the public. The question on everyone's mind is: What will happen to the numbers of little boys born? Is there a sinister conspiracy to eradicate men at play?


In this toxic political climate, Jules and Rosie try to hide their baby from scrutiny. But when the news of Rosie's pregnancy is leaked to the media, their relationship is put under a microscope, and they are forced to question the loyalty of those closest to them. They must also battle against a tirade of hate that threatens to split them apart.


As the pregnancy progresses, Rosie and Jules face numerous challenges. They must navigate the complex legal and ethical implications of the trial, while also dealing with the emotional toll of being pregnant in a society that values traditional gender roles. They also face discrimination and hostility from those who oppose their decision to have a female baby.


Despite these obstacles, Rosie and Jules remain determined to have their baby. They find support from unexpected places, including a group of women who have also chosen to have female babies through the trial. They form a close-knit community, sharing their experiences and supporting each other through the highs and lows of pregnancy and childbirth.


As the birth approaches, Rosie and Jules become increasingly fearful of the consequences of their decision. They worry that their baby will be stigmatized and discriminated against, and that they will face a lifetime of prejudice and rejection. But they also know that they have made the right decision, and that their baby is a precious gift that they will love and protect with all their hearts.


In the end, Rosie and Jules give birth to a beautiful baby girl. They named her Eve, and she is a symbol of hope and change. She is the first female baby born through the Ovum-to-Ovum (o-o) technology, and her birth has ignited a global debate about gender equality and reproductive rights.


Through their journey, Rosie and Jules have learned that love and determination can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. They have shown that it is possible to create a better world for themselves and for future generations, and that every person has the power to make a difference.


In conclusion, XX is a powerful and emotional novel that explores the boundaries of love, family, and identity. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of modern society and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 126 x 197 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349700267