Detailing the struggles of Aussie life in the midst of a nuclear winter, When We Are Invisible by Claire Zorn is a fast-paced dystopia with high stakes and big questions about much more than just face-value danger.

When We Are Invisible is set in a Sydney that is facing the terrible aftermath of what can only be described as a nuclear apocalypse. Author Claire Zorn paints a clear and worrisome picture of the many challenges that plague apocalyptic cities, and not all of these are among the expected concerns. While this disaster-struck Sydney deals with freezing temperatures, food scarcity, and resource deficits, so too it is riddled with the social and political burdens of a world facing catastrophe. These include sexism, misogyny, violence, abuse of power, and more.

Throughout When We Are Invisible, main character Lucy reveals harsh truths about the world in which she lives. She navigates female vulnerability and the possessive behaviours of a would-be saviour, and she deals with changing relationships with her boyfriend and apocalyptic cohort. Lucy reflects on lost family relationships, notably the violent experiences that make her worry most for her big sister, Bit.

When We Are Invisible focuses on themes of sexism, power, survival, strength, and much more. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, The Sky So Heavy, you’ll like this one too!

Thank you to UQP Press and Ausyabloggers for including me in this blog tour!