‘The Cost of Living’ is a dystopia in a similar vein to some of the stories of Philip K Dick, or classic movies like Logan’s Run or Soylent Green (or less classic movies like Justin Tinberlake’s In Time).
Set in a dystopia future the population limit has been set, and if you want to have a baby approval for an increase in population must be given, or someone must die for the baby to live. When Janice get accidentally pregnant she must find a life donor, or forfeit her own life in place of her baby. when an old man offers to be her life donor, she gets more than she bargained for in the deal.
The story is quick and tightly told. There is a lot more going on in this world that could have supported a longer book, but rather than give you everything this short story gives you just what you need. It is well told, with some interesting ideas and backstory. Well worth the time.
Narration by Brenda Scott Wlazlo is very good. Well paced and clear. For a short story she really shines, providing a wide variety of voices, characters, emotions etc. She brings the book to life.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this review voluntarily.