Reading the pages written by a sister living within the “safety” of the convent of the Sacred Sisterhood after a climate disaster, we witness the brutality and sadism within those walls. Women are “chosen”to ascend undergoing bodily mutilation in the process. All under the supervision of an ominous unseen “He” as well as the menacing Superior Sister. A newcomer arrives changing everything and awakening forgotten emotions and memories. 

It’s no secret that I love Augustina Bazterrica’s writing. I know I can expect something visceral, upsetting, reflective, at times beautiful, and impactful. The Unworthy is all these things and absolutely brutal. Within it climate disaster, religious control and subjugation, and feminist horror are explored. It’s dark, dark, dark, yet balanced with beautiful prose and the hopefulness of the transformative power of love. I could not put it down and I can’t stop thinking about it.

I think this would appeal to people looking for dystopian literary horror. 

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.