Georgia Harper’s debut novel, What I Would Do to You, is an example of speculative fiction executed to perfection. Set in the not-too-distant future of 2039, the death penalty has been reintroduced in Australia for the most heinous crimes. There’s just one catch: if the victim’s family wants an execution, they have to do it themselves.

This novel follows the family of Lucy, a young girl who was horrifically murdered, as they grapple with their trauma and the looming decision they face. Seen through the perspectives of Lucy’s teenage sister Hannah and the family’s court-appointed psychologist, Octavia, the reader slowly uncovers not only the truth of what happened, but the terrible secrets some members of the family are keeping.

Part of what makes this book so disturbing to read is how closely its world resembles our own. Harper goes to great lengths to show you how we could get there from where we are now, and it adds a layer of realism to the book many speculative works lack. By grounding the narrative in such a familiar landscape, Harper challenges the reader with more than just a vague ‘What if?’, instead prompting them to look at the world around them and see the direction we are all potentially heading in.

This book is exceptionally well written, making the reader feel the emotions of the characters, even beyond the two points of view. Their grief, their confusion, and their hurt radiates off the page and embeds itself deep in the reader’s chest. You can’t help but empathise with these people as they slowly tear themselves apart.

Books of this calibre are hard to find, especially from debut authors. If you like speculative fiction, or enjoy reading books that not only grip you but make you think about the world, I would highly recommend this one. I can’t wait to see what Georgia Harper writes in the future.