Free Range Reading
I can't remember who brought this title to my attention, but if you are reading this thank you! It was excellent. I adored Ofelia, who has had it with being told what to do, how to do it, and where to do it. She is tired of her bossy son and judgemental daughter-in-law. She is sick of societal expectations and having to pretend to give a damn. How could I not love her?
So when the company that more-or-less owns these people decrees that they must pack their belongings (not many, not much room for luggage) and be put in cryo-sleep to be moved to another planet, Ofelia sees an opportunity. She packs a small bag and hides in the forest until all the shuttles have left. When she returns to the village, she luxuriates in the peace—no one wants anything from her. Her rebellion starts small: no knickers. This escalates to no clothing and to painting herself. She has time to create the art that she envisions, to garden, and to write in the station logs.
And then she realizes that she is not alone on the planet. First contact and, honestly, they're as bad as children for making messes, getting under foot, and demanding her time! But they are interesting and she wants to communicate…
I related strongly to Ofelia, in being fed up with the judgements of others. Once you reach a certain age, there's no requirement to give a fuck about many of the things that occupy young people. I recognize the freedom that she reveled in. Recommended if you are also a woman of a certain age who is no longer willing to comply.
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