Book Review·Lesbian Review

“The Wild Side of Am’s Road” by Ana K. Wrenn It’s a lesbian dystopian story set in the backwoods of Appalachia, where isolation collides with resistance.

Cynda, a lonely outdoorswoman, is drawn back into civilization when fierce freedom fighter Kadija asks her to help deal with the aftermath of a destructive research project. What unfolds is a dark, immersive account of survival, difference, and the brutal treatment of those deemed “sensitive.”

This is not a utopia, but a raw exploration of how systems exploit vulnerability and build resilience in the shadows.

writing

The prose is beautiful and unrelenting. Wren writes with a lyrical edge that makes every page seem thoughtful, layered, and vibrant. Sometimes I stop and reread passages just to savor their rhythm.

The inner lives of the characters are portrayed in minute detail, both strong and vulnerable, resistant and exposed, and the writing reflects this duality. It’s detailed without being overly immersive, and the style imbues the Appalachian setting with atmosphere and emotional weight.

Pros and my favorite part

What’s most striking is the way these characters embody strength and vulnerability equally, making them human and compelling. Cynda’s transformation from Em to someone who chooses to be alone adds layers of complexity, while Kadija’s boar identity emphasizes her fierce commitment to resistance.

Wren reinvents familiar tropes, such as enemies to lovers and forced proximity, into something raw and confrontational, refusing to let the narrative sink into predictability. The lyrical prose carries emotional weight with precision, ensuring the story continues to resonate long after the last page has been read.

careful

This is a confrontational read. Wren doesn’t shy away from depicting the profound physical and psychological abuse of sensitive people exploited by the research at the heart of the story. These themes of violence, oppression, and systemic abuse are integral to the narrative. They are never gratuitous, but they are heavy and readers should be prepared.

in conclusion

The Wild Side of Am’s Road is a dark, immersive, beautifully written dystopian novel that stays with you long after you’ve read the last page. It’s not light or fluffy. It’s confrontational, lyrical, and haunting. Wren’s work refuses to trivialize difference, instead offering raw reflections on resilience, vulnerability and survival.

This book is perfect for readers who want a lesbian dystopian novel with emotional depth, nuanced prose, and characters who embody strength and vulnerability. It may leave you with a book hangover, not because it’s easy, but because it’s impossible to forget.

Excerpted from “The Wild Side of Am’s Road” by Ana K. Wrenn