In 'The Marriage Act' by John Marrs, the story is set in a near-future Britain where the government enacts the Sanctity of Marriage Act, which rewards married couples with extraordinary benefits but requires constant monitoring of their lives. The book follows multiple characters navigating the complexities of their upgraded marriages under the watchful eye of the government, exploring themes of surveillance, relationships, and societal control. Marrs weaves together a gripping plot filled with twists and turns, creating a thought-provoking narrative that delves into the consequences of a society where marriage is enforced by law.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and complex, yet opinions vary regarding their development; some readers found them relatable while others saw them as flawed and unlikable.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is dynamic and filled with twists, utilizing short chapters from various perspectives, although some readers found the character switching challenging.

Plot/Storyline:

The storyline involves a dystopian future where government-enforced marriage creates challenges for several couples monitored by AI and social media, highlighting control and societal expectations.

Setting:

The setting is a near-future Britain, serving as a backdrop for exploring the implications of government-controlled marriage and social media surveillance.

Pacing:

The pacing is dynamic and engaging for many, though it can become challenging for those struggling to keep track of the rapid character shifts.

Notes:

The book explores the dangers of big tech and AI in personal relationships.

It presents a future where marriage is enforced by the government.

The Sanctity of Marriage Act provides benefits for married couples, but at a cost of constant surveillance.

Characters experience varied and unique endings, making for an unpredictable narrative.

The author, John Marrs, is known for his bold storytelling that defies reader expectations.

The book has similarities to John's previous works like The One and The Passengers, both dealing with technology's impact on society.

Readers have mixed feelings about character development, with some finding them despicable and unrealistic.

There is a sense of urgency in the story as characters navigate a monitored life and potential consequences of their relationships.

The book reminds readers to be discerning about media and information they consume today.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for The Marriage Act may include high levels of societal oppression, surveillance, and themes related to relationships under scrutiny.

From The Publisher:

What if marriage was the law? Dare you disobey? Black Mirror meets thriller with a dash of Naomi Alderman's The Power in this dark, high-concept novel by the bestselling author of The One .

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, honor and obey.

Don't miss other suspenseful reads from John Marrs (you'll never see the twists coming!):

The One

The Vacation

The Family Experiment (coming soon!)

Ratings (13)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (6)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (24):

Read It (13)
Want To Read (11)

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The Marriage Act

John Marrs