You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adam_of_the_mountains 's review for:
The Power
by Naomi Alderman
I'm not sure what I expected from this novel, but I think I was pleasantly surprised? Its satirical nature, from the start, kept my attention and never felt super clunky (though I go back and forth about the clunkiness of the meta-end; mostly I wonder if the exchange between Neil and Naomi is necessary or too "neat").
There were certainly some moments that are laugh out loud hysterical. Like when there is an academic analysis within the story about how unlikely it would be that men would evolve to be strong since it would make sense that women would dominate society due to their instinct to protect and nurture their young. Other hilarious moments include women telling men to "calm down" or portrayals of women chiding men for "losing it" during public conversations and debates (the woman remaining stolid herself).
I get the incorporation of religion and a cultish following of major figures within that religion, there is something in my mind that thinks Alderman could have explored this emergent Power in women in more interesting and societal ways. Margot, to me, then, is the most interesting character in the text. Her grappling with the Power - its ability to support, propel, but also limit was nuanced and honestly could have served as the entire story. Whenever a new chapter started, I wanted it to focus on Margot.
Mostly I read this book because Rebecca Traister (a god among mortals) said how much she enjoyed it and how there were moments of liberation for her and women (she read it, I believe, at the same time that she was writing Good and Mad). What started as a fascination for me became a really compelling read. Highly support others reading it!
There were certainly some moments that are laugh out loud hysterical. Like when there is an academic analysis within the story about how unlikely it would be that men would evolve to be strong since it would make sense that women would dominate society due to their instinct to protect and nurture their young. Other hilarious moments include women telling men to "calm down" or portrayals of women chiding men for "losing it" during public conversations and debates (the woman remaining stolid herself).
I get the incorporation of religion and a cultish following of major figures within that religion, there is something in my mind that thinks Alderman could have explored this emergent Power in women in more interesting and societal ways. Margot, to me, then, is the most interesting character in the text. Her grappling with the Power - its ability to support, propel, but also limit was nuanced and honestly could have served as the entire story. Whenever a new chapter started, I wanted it to focus on Margot.
Mostly I read this book because Rebecca Traister (a god among mortals) said how much she enjoyed it and how there were moments of liberation for her and women (she read it, I believe, at the same time that she was writing Good and Mad). What started as a fascination for me became a really compelling read. Highly support others reading it!