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andicbuchanan's review
3.0
I have trouble reviewing this book. The thing is, it doesn't stand up to time - even the decade that's past since publication has been one in which so much has happened with gender and SFF that I was deflated to read it. There are some good stories - in fact, it's mostly that, good enough. With the exception of one story that either handled colonialism and land rights _terribly_ or was an attempt at satire that fell flat, this was a generally decent but uninspiring collection. But I don't want to rate it too harshly because I feel anthologies like this paved the way for some of the work I love now. They made other collections and works possible, even if they were somewhat lacking in their own implementation.
Unfortunately I found this more curious than I enjoyed it. I think finding out what the authors are writing now would be much more rewarding.
Unfortunately I found this more curious than I enjoyed it. I think finding out what the authors are writing now would be much more rewarding.
nicobellfiction's review
4.0
We all have different definitions of feminist literature. Feminism is a single word that encompasses a wide variety of ideals. It stands for equality and sisterhood. It means females supporting females and men cheering us on. For some, we see the "f" word and assume it's going to be male bashing, while others see it as an opportunity for debate. It's just as polarizing as it is inclusive.
When I discovered this anthology, I was curious how feminist would be defined. The introduction does a great job of setting the tone by simply asking writers to tell a story based on the question, "How will you shape the world?" (60). The stories aren't "a promise that women will create a perfect world, but that they will create a fuller one" (60).
Women and men authors responded with a wide variety of stories that touched many definitions of the word feminism. There are no passive stories in this anthology. In fact, I'd argue that's it's only downfall. The stories were so well-written, so intense, so all encompassing that they drained me. It took weeks for me to finish this collection because I often needed to take a breath. The stories ask questions and challenge your view points. The action never stops. The reading experience was similar to listening to a rock album with no ballads. The emotion and tension was always high.
i know it's a bit cliche to say this, but this anthology truly has something for everyone. Clones, mermaids, strippers, plants coming to life, goddesses, mutants, rebels and corrupt governments are just a handful of fun plot points you'll come across. On a deeper level, the stories explore sexuality, gender fluidity, social norms, women's roles in family and society, religious ideals, and motherhood.
A few stories stuck out to me.
"Practice Baby" by Heather Fowler sets up a future where people can practice parenting by adopting a realistic robotic baby. Laura, who is already pregnant, decides this would be a good way to prepare for motherhood, but Practice Baby comes with a few catches. It doesn't live past six months, and if you don't take care of it properly, your name goes on their website. Laura's connection to Practice Baby grows, and she doesn't want to be branded a bad mother, so when her baby comes, she continues to love Practice Baby. It's an interesting story about motherhood and the connection between parent and child.
"The Sky God's Daughter" by Jason Andrew is a fantasy short story about Atrahasis, the daughter of the Sky God, who wants to please her father by creating a new world. She ends up loving her world and wants to protect it from evil, but she must make a decision. She can descend to her world to fight the forces threatening the people, but if she does, she can never return home. If she doesn't go, her world will most likely die. This is a beautiful story about love and protecting that which we've created.
I enjoyed all these stories, and I think fans of science fiction and fantasy will love them as well. I hope you'll check it out!
When I discovered this anthology, I was curious how feminist would be defined. The introduction does a great job of setting the tone by simply asking writers to tell a story based on the question, "How will you shape the world?" (60). The stories aren't "a promise that women will create a perfect world, but that they will create a fuller one" (60).
Women and men authors responded with a wide variety of stories that touched many definitions of the word feminism. There are no passive stories in this anthology. In fact, I'd argue that's it's only downfall. The stories were so well-written, so intense, so all encompassing that they drained me. It took weeks for me to finish this collection because I often needed to take a breath. The stories ask questions and challenge your view points. The action never stops. The reading experience was similar to listening to a rock album with no ballads. The emotion and tension was always high.
i know it's a bit cliche to say this, but this anthology truly has something for everyone. Clones, mermaids, strippers, plants coming to life, goddesses, mutants, rebels and corrupt governments are just a handful of fun plot points you'll come across. On a deeper level, the stories explore sexuality, gender fluidity, social norms, women's roles in family and society, religious ideals, and motherhood.
A few stories stuck out to me.
"Practice Baby" by Heather Fowler sets up a future where people can practice parenting by adopting a realistic robotic baby. Laura, who is already pregnant, decides this would be a good way to prepare for motherhood, but Practice Baby comes with a few catches. It doesn't live past six months, and if you don't take care of it properly, your name goes on their website. Laura's connection to Practice Baby grows, and she doesn't want to be branded a bad mother, so when her baby comes, she continues to love Practice Baby. It's an interesting story about motherhood and the connection between parent and child.
"The Sky God's Daughter" by Jason Andrew is a fantasy short story about Atrahasis, the daughter of the Sky God, who wants to please her father by creating a new world. She ends up loving her world and wants to protect it from evil, but she must make a decision. She can descend to her world to fight the forces threatening the people, but if she does, she can never return home. If she doesn't go, her world will most likely die. This is a beautiful story about love and protecting that which we've created.
I enjoyed all these stories, and I think fans of science fiction and fantasy will love them as well. I hope you'll check it out!
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