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eegray's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
gardens_and_dragons's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really disliked this, unfortunately. I give it two stars because o can see why it was an important feminist science fiction novel in 1969. I can see how the exploration of gender, region and loyalty is important.
That being said, I found this to be extremely dry and boring during time where it should have felt tense. The pacing was slow, and that’s not something i usually enjoy in a book. I could not connect with the characters or enjoy their faults.
I also really did not like that it specifically envisioned a world where everyone is ambisexual AND then instead of being progressive about it, they also state that sibling incest is common and not forbidden. It had other potential issues that could have been called out with the Kenner system, but it was odd and felt … gross for no reason.
That being said, I found this to be extremely dry and boring during time where it should have felt tense. The pacing was slow, and that’s not something i usually enjoy in a book. I could not connect with the characters or enjoy their faults.
I also really did not like that it specifically envisioned a world where everyone is ambisexual AND then instead of being progressive about it, they also state that sibling incest is common and not forbidden. It had other potential issues that could have been called out with the Kenner system, but it was odd and felt … gross for no reason.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Confinement, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Suicide and Incest
Minor: Sexism and Pregnancy
modrockz's review against another edition
I didn't feel any connection to the characters or the story. I also found the world to be too confusing and could not keep up with it. However, sci-fi and I have never gotten on so that could have a impact on my feelings towards the book.
sheayardyjosh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
sophieboddington's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
kiaheaston1999's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
cvbattum's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.75
Honestly an amazing book. Rich in atmosphere and philosophy, with superb writing and and interesting premise.
I thought the pacing was perfect. I've never read a science-fiction book that hooked me as strongly from the first thirty pages. No single word is redundant or superfluous. It is still easy to follow through large time skips, and despite the conciseness of the writing, there's no lack of prettiness to it either.
The entire thing around ambisexuality is very interesting, if falling a little flat in today's understanding of gender. I'm sure it was wildly progressive for the time. It is an interesting concept regardless, and well executed as well.
I love the book's softer approach to science fiction, in which the fictional world is just a backdrop for the very real and human story.
My only criticism is that the ending felt a little flat to me, as I would've liked it a little more climactic. I think it does fit the story well enough.
I thought the pacing was perfect. I've never read a science-fiction book that hooked me as strongly from the first thirty pages. No single word is redundant or superfluous. It is still easy to follow through large time skips, and despite the conciseness of the writing, there's no lack of prettiness to it either.
The entire thing around ambisexuality is very interesting, if falling a little flat in today's understanding of gender. I'm sure it was wildly progressive for the time. It is an interesting concept regardless, and well executed as well.
I love the book's softer approach to science fiction, in which the fictional world is just a backdrop for the very real and human story.
My only criticism is that the ending felt a little flat to me, as I would've liked it a little more climactic. I think it does fit the story well enough.
billymermays's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0