It’s fantastic! The premise seems far-fetched on paper, but the way the story and characters developed, it felt totally plausible. I think millennials are so desperate for financial relief that a lot more people would sign up to be surrogates than you might think. I loved the main character and her dynamic relationship with her mom and sisters. Anderson’s prose isn’t flowery, it’s simple and accessible, but she manages to use details and build narrative that feels full and rich in ways that more lyrical fiction can ultimately feel hollow. I’d be surprised if this book doesn’t end up in my top 5 for the year. I think there will be a great response from readers. It feels like a book you can recommend to anyone. Excited to read more from Anderson in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and FSG for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A perfect addition to the contemporary anti-work literary canon. A searing portrait of our social-media-, baby-, health-, and money-obsessed, capitalist world, filled with humor and surprise.

So good!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the quick moving plot without the book feeling hastened. I love Natalie: even though she is not very likeable I feel we are alike (except for her willing to birth 7 children). I also loved the detailed descriptions of the benefits. And while I found everything surrounding The Company incredibly interesting, I thoroughly enjoyed the third act, which I didn't see coming at all. Fallow is incredibly entertaining while touching on some important themes like sisterhood, capitalism and self-determination. Would recommend!

I absolutely loved this! Fallow is fast paced, entertaining and a surprisingly tender debut that blends satire with genuine emotional depth. Anderson writes with an incredibly engaging and unique voice, and the book offers a fresh, thought provoking take on work, identity, and modern capitalism. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one!

Fallow by Sarah Anderson is one of those books that feels original, smart, and surprisingly relatable at the same time. The novel follows Natalie, a young woman who becomes the first in-house corporate surrogate, and through that unusual premise, Anderson explores themes like capitalism, bodily autonomy, labor, and identity. What could have been a strange or overly exaggerated concept instead becomes a thoughtful and engaging story that feels very relevant to modern life.
One of the strongest parts of the novel is its social commentary. Anderson critiques corporate culture and the ways companies often take advantage of people under the promise of opportunity or success. The book makes important points about exploitation and power, but it never feels preachy. Instead, the satire and humor keep the story entertaining while still making readers think critically about the issues being discussed.
Natalie is also a strong protagonist because she feels realistic and layered. She is not perfect, which makes her more believable, and her struggles with purpose, independence, and self-worth are easy to connect with. Even though her situation is extreme, the emotions behind it are universal. Anderson’s writing style is sharp and engaging, making the book easy to read while still carrying emotional depth.
What makes Fallow stand out most is how it balances humor, serious themes, and emotional honesty. It is both thought-provoking and entertaining, which is difficult to achieve. The story stays with the reader because it asks larger questions about work, freedom, and what people are willing to sacrifice in order to survive or succeed.

Sarah Anderson's novel Fallow is a "coming-of-adulthood" novel (is that a thing?). Natalie Gallagher is suffering from millennial malaise, working a job she hates just so she can keep herself alive and her student loans at bay. When she's offered an extremely high-paying yet unorthodox job in a new surrogacy pilot program at a large company, it seems like an offer that's too good to be true. So what if she has to be constantly monitored and can't tell anyone in her life what she really does? At least she can pay off her student loans and spend a lot of time lounging around watching reality tv. Ah, the dream!

Of course, a twist (actually, a couple), come about halfway and three-quarters of the way through the novel. Natalie's seemingly comfortable existence is challenged, and she has to decide what she really wants and who she really is. Ultimately, its a book about finding yourself through finding your purpose. This book is weird, and the characters are annoying at times (including Natalie), but it has something interesting to say, and it was a fun read! There was enough humor and reflection sown throughout its pages to make it feel both enjoyable and worthwhile.

Thanks so much to FSG and NetGalley for my ARC!