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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think it's natural to think, and has been envisioned and speculated by many, that if the power paradigm were to shift from men having most of the authority and power, as has been the tradition for millenia, to female power/rule, there would be a utopia of peace, goodwill and bliss. I actually, personally DO think that there would be less war, murder, violence, etc. Just my personal opinion. But that idea is completely turned on its head in this imagining, in the world of The Power, by Naomi Alderman.
This is not an easy read. There is no happy ending. It is a complex and yet absolutely thrilling account of a world in which, seemingly overnight, girls, and then most women, have developed a physical power of transmitting electrical energy from their hands, by way of a "skein", an internal muscle-type thing along their collarbone that produces and transmits, potentially fatal, electricity. This give women power. A lot of power. Men, used to being in control, find themselves battling to regain their former positions, and women, stretching their newly found power muscles, and seeing where it takes them.
The story is told from the perspective of four women and one man, who all have their own roles in this cataclysmic shift in reality. It is quite profound, how they all negotiate and find their place in this new world.
TW: there are numerous violent encounters, including sexual assault, murder, sex trafficking and drug use. This book isn't for the faint of heart, but I have a feeling it is going to stick with me for a long time.
There is SO much to chew on!
I don't think "feminist dystopia" is really enough to describe all the nuances of the book. It's so much more. I'm glad I read it, and also was glad when it ended, as it was sometimes difficult to read, much like most of the literary canon is. (It's how I felt about every Toni Morrison book as well). Feel good? No. Thought provoking? YES.
This is not an easy read. There is no happy ending. It is a complex and yet absolutely thrilling account of a world in which, seemingly overnight, girls, and then most women, have developed a physical power of transmitting electrical energy from their hands, by way of a "skein", an internal muscle-type thing along their collarbone that produces and transmits, potentially fatal, electricity. This give women power. A lot of power. Men, used to being in control, find themselves battling to regain their former positions, and women, stretching their newly found power muscles, and seeing where it takes them.
The story is told from the perspective of four women and one man, who all have their own roles in this cataclysmic shift in reality. It is quite profound, how they all negotiate and find their place in this new world.
TW: there are numerous violent encounters, including sexual assault, murder, sex trafficking and drug use. This book isn't for the faint of heart, but I have a feeling it is going to stick with me for a long time.
There is SO much to chew on!
I don't think "feminist dystopia" is really enough to describe all the nuances of the book. It's so much more. I'm glad I read it, and also was glad when it ended, as it was sometimes difficult to read, much like most of the literary canon is. (It's how I felt about every Toni Morrison book as well). Feel good? No. Thought provoking? YES.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Medical content, War
This book was so different to anything I’ve read. The plot was so clever and it was a real trip. It pushed me through fiction to think about gender and power in a novel way.
There are so many characters, and I found it interesting that the characterised other voice was male.
There are so many characters, and I found it interesting that the characterised other voice was male.
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was not at all what i expected-kinda wanted like a womens empowerment book and if youre looking for that this is not it imo!
Instead, i got a fascinating book which was a commentary on power, history, gender, conspiracy theories, politics, etc. I will say it was significantly more violent than i thought it would be, BUT if that doesnt bother you this is a really good book and really interesting commentary. Would probably read again and might have to get my own copy.
Instead, i got a fascinating book which was a commentary on power, history, gender, conspiracy theories, politics, etc. I will say it was significantly more violent than i thought it would be, BUT if that doesnt bother you this is a really good book and really interesting commentary. Would probably read again and might have to get my own copy.