In Rachel Boucher’s debut young adult novel, “The Electi,” readers are transported to a post-apocalyptic world devastated by nuclear war. Boucher, who is an accomplished author and educator, was inspired to write the book by her pupils in a deprived area, wanting them to see themselves as heroes.
“I wanted them to have heroes that looked like them,” Boucher says. “That’s why my two Treb twins, Eloy and AJ, have a Pakistani father and Polish mother. There are also many other characters of different ethnicities in the book.”
As a gay woman, Boucher also wanted to represent the LGBTQ+ community in her novel. “It was important for me to have LGBTQ+ heroes,” she says. “As well as a number of lesbian characters, AJ included, there is a strong, black, trans woman who makes an appearance and will take on a starring role in the next two books. One of the characters will also come out as non-binary in the second book. It was important to me not to define these characters by their sexuality or gender identity when writing their stories – it is simply a part of them, and not tokenistic.”
At the heart of the novel is the theme of fighting for justice in a world where inequality and discrimination are rampant. Through the teenagers’ mission to dismantle the corrupt Electi government and expose a horrifying eugenics program aimed at controlling the Treb population, readers are reminded of the importance of fighting for what is right, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
“I wanted to explore themes of discrimination and inequality, as well as climate change and immigration, in the novel,” Boucher says. “These are all issues that affect young people today, and it’s important to discuss them in a way that is accessible to them.”
Despite being a work of dystopian fiction, “The Electi” is ultimately a story about hope and resilience. Boucher’s characters come from different backgrounds and face different challenges, but they all share a determination to fight for a better world.
“I hope readers come away from the book feeling inspired and empowered,” Boucher says. “No matter how difficult the situation, there is always hope, and there are always people fighting for what is right.”
Overall, “The Electi” is an action-packed adventure full of intrigue, romance, and diverse heroes fighting for justice. It is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and anyone looking for a thrilling ride that tackles important social issues.