Sour Fruit, a captivating post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel by Eli Allison, takes place in the British river city of Kingston. This imaginative and thrilling story revolves around a courageous teenage girl who faces a harrowing kidnapping and must find a way to escape within three days before she becomes ensnared in the Toymaker's world.

Characters

Onion

Onion is the main character of the novel. Her lack of trust and lack of filter causes her to suffer more than she should. In the beginning of the book, her walls are up and she has no understanding of the fact that her actions have consequences. Moreso, she has a lack of care about how her actions impact others. She has one goal and that is to get out of Kingston.

Onion's Attitude Towards Kingston

Initially, Onion's attitude towards the people of Kingston is marked by an air of arrogance. Kidnapped from a world that was technologically more advanced and seemingly superior, she displays a condescending view toward the inhabitants of Kingston. She perceives them as backward and inferior, a reflection of the less advanced society she finds herself trapped within. This arrogance exacerbates the challenges she faces in her quest to escape, as she dismisses potential allies and underestimates the complexities of the world she is now a part of.

One of the most crucial parts of this society that Onion misunderstood when she first encountered the city and its inhabitants is how the actions of the inhabitants are based on an idea of quid pro quo. In this world, favors are exchanged and nothing is ever given without something being received in return. However, if you are good to people, they will be good to you in return.

Onion's View on Occupations and People in Kingston

Onion's condescending perspective extends to the occupations of the Kingston populace. She views the trades and jobs of the people as primitive and insignificant compared to what she's accustomed to in her technologically advanced society. She dismisses the value and skill involved in the work they do, failing to consider the adaptation and resilience it signifies in a post-apocalyptic setting.

One prime example is a woman named Rhea. She is the one that houses and takes care of Onion throughout the book. Her occupation is undesirable to Onion because she is a courtesan. Due to her lack of understanding of this world, Onion calls Rhea derogatory names, because she does not see that sometimes people may need to do jobs just to survive.

As the story progresses, Onion begins to understand the value of Rhea's skills and sees her as a strong and capable woman. She starts to respect the people she meets in Kingston more and realizes that they have unique talents beyond anything she has ever seen before.

Another aspect of life that Onion learns throughout the book is that of human connection. When she first arrives in Kingston, her first thought is solely of getting out of there as quickly as possible. She doesn't care if her actions hurt anyone else, but only if they get her closer to her goal. As the book progresses, she learns that forming meaningful connections with people can help her in her journey. She finds strength and courage through friendships and bonds with others, something she had never believed before.

Rhea

Rhea emerges as the main supporting character in Sour Fruit. As a courtesan, she is initially met with disdain by Onion, who perceives her occupation as indicative of a lower social standing. Rhea, however, is far from the weak, insignificant character Onion initially assumes her to be. She is a resilient and resourceful woman, surviving and even thriving in the adverse conditions of Kingston.

Rhea's character is a testament to her strength and adaptability in the post-apocalyptic landscape. She houses Onion, extending a helping hand to the stranger despite her limited resources. Throughout the story, Rhea proves to be a valuable ally to Onion, helping her navigate the intricacies of Kingston society. Her wisdom, experience, and street savvy contribute significantly to Onion's survival in the harsh, unfamiliar environment.

Rhea's character challenges Onion's initial prejudices, forcing her to reevaluate her assumptions about the people of Kingston. This transformation plays a key role in Onion's character development, illustrating the importance of respect and empathy amidst a world marred by survival and self-interest.

The Toymaker

The Toymaker is the chilling antagonist of the novel, representing a looming threat over Onion and the city of Kingston. As the name suggests, the Toymaker's eerie manipulation of his environment and people is reminiscent of a puppet master, pulling strings to control the fate of those around him. His mysterious and sinister presence underscores the fear and unease that pervades Kingston.

Despite his malevolent nature, the Toymaker plays a pivotal role in Onion's journey, acting as a catalyst for her character development. His actions force Onion to push beyond her limits and confront the harsh realities of her new environment, thereby fostering her growth and resilience. In a twisted way, the Toymaker's cruel game of survival ultimately equips Onion with the skills and determination to navigate the complexities of Kingston, contributing to her transformation from a disdainful outsider to a resourceful survivor.

The Plot

Welcome to Kingston, the unique and gritty setting of the novel Sour Fruit. This post-apocalyptic British city serves as a sanctuary for social outcasts, offering a kaleidoscope of marginalized characters. In this world of catastrophe, they demonstrate resilience and thrive amidst adversity.

The societal structure of Kingston mirrors its population, molded by the principle of survival. Former norms have been discarded, replaced by new guidelines tailored to their reality. This society operates on a system of barter and trade, where acts of kindness are investments and favors become debts.

The city itself, with its struggling infrastructure and bleak landscape, amplifies the sense of harsh authenticity. The worn-down streets and battered buildings symbolize the resilient spirit of its inhabitants. Despite its dilapidation, Kingston provides a space for those cast aside to forge new lives.

In its unconventional way, Kingston is a place of hope and resilience. The outcasts have harnessed their status to create a community bound by mutual support and shared hardships. Characters like Rhea embody the spirit of Kingston with resourcefulness and adaptability, subverting stereotypes and showcasing their resilience.

In conclusion, Kingston is a refuge for the shunned, a city where resilience, adaptability, and survival prevail. Sour Fruit offers a profound exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure in the face of adversity. Discover more about this unique world and its compelling characters in this post-apocalyptic British novel.

My Thoughts on Sour Fruit

I was captivated by the world and the story of Sour Fruit from the very beginning. This captivating tale masterfully combines elements of dystopia and adventure while providing a social commentary on societal outcasts. Eli Allison skillfully constructs a world that is both terrifying and captivating, showcasing the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic society and the indomitable human spirit. The multi-faceted characters bring their unique perspectives and experiences, enriching the narrative. Overall, Sour Fruit is a testament to the resilient spirit of humanity and a compelling exploration of survival and adaptation in a post-apocalyptic world.

My rating 10/10