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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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? No
4.0
Cwen was a more comfortable read since it was firmly in my wheelhouse. It’s set on an archipelago off the coast of Britain which, thanks to efforts led by Eva Levi, has become a gynotopia, a matriarchal society run by and for women. However Eva is now missing, presumed drowned, and this special woman’s place could be under threat. But Cwen, an ancient being is determined to protect her islands and the rights and power of women. Part of this story unfolds via testimonies in a court case relating to Eva’s legacy, others via an omniscient narrator. Some sections were Cwen’s perspective, while folktales and historical accounts of lands ruled by women were also incorporated - something I especially enjoyed. While I liked all of the individual pieces, fitting them together to form a cohesive whole was sometimes a bit challenging. The plot itself did much to highlight both the power of intersectional feminism, and the entitled yet threatened faces of patriarchy. There were also strong storylines relating to the environment and to political corruption. A provocative story but I suspect it’s structure and tone won’t be for every reader.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, and Sexism
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