After a devastating STD makes the majority of women infertile, ultra conservative religious extremists get into power. Abortion is made illegal. The prison system is also reformed to account for the high numbers of inmates and the massive expenses. With the exception of criminals too dangerous or serious to release back into the public, people are chromed based on their crime. Every surface of their body becomes a rich and vibrant colour that matches their crime.
Hannah Payne, who grew up in a very religious home and was a dedicated member of her church, wakes up red. She has been chromed for the crime of murder- for having an abortion. Her sentence is made longer by the fact that she will not reveal the name of the father or the person who performed it. Hannah's entire life is thrown upside down. She has become the lowest of society, reviled by everyone that sees her bright red skin, the colour of blood.
The story goes back and forth from present to past, explaining how she fell in love with her pastor and how their relationship grew. As she struggles in her new life, she faces challenges that she never could have imagined. There are people who want to kill her for her crime, and her bright red skin makes her an easy target. Easy to spot, and easy to harm without anyone standing up for her. No one will hire chromes. No one will associate with chromes, especially not reds. Her only chance is a long shot, a dangerous journey with a girl that she befriended in a strict chistian halway house.
A modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter, you see how much Hannah is victimized for the difficult circumstances that she came under, and how judgmental people can be. This is a story of awakening and finding strength that she never even knew she had.
Last week, I was actually reading an article online about abortion. The question was that if it becomes illegal, would the pro-life supporters also support sentencing women for murder if they had an abortion. Its an interesting question. I liked how this book handled it.