The Chaperone Author: M. Hendrix
Natalia (12) 3/5
This novel is a mystery thriller based in a dystopian society. The book is about a young girl named Stella who lives in a controlled society called, New American, where women are treated less than, and always needs a chaperone. Once girls like Stella reach puberty they are not allowed to go out alone or be unattended in public. She must always have a chaperone until she is married. Once she is married her husband will accompany her wherever she needs to go.
Stella’s assigned chaperone is Sister Helen whom she really likes as she’s like a friend to her. Things start to get dark when Sister Helen suddenly dies under weird circumstances but what’s even stranger is everyone around Stella is eager to forget about Sister Helen and move on with their lives. Stella is assigned a new chaperone, Sister Laura, who is quite the opposite of Sister Helen. Where Sister Helen used to be strict Sister Laura is very lenient. For example, Sister Laura, leaves Stella alone in public places, takes her to parties and indulges in other not-so -legal activities. Spending time with Sister Laura has caused Stella to view New America differently and she begins to question her way of life. Things begin to feel a bit eerie when Stella uncovers the dark truth about New America.
This book reminded me a lot of a previous read, The Handmaid’s Tale. Both take place in a dystopian society and revolve around women who have their rights taken away. I would recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns M Hendrix takes his readers on.