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thecatsmum 's review for:
I Who Have Never Known Men
by Jacqueline Harpman
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a short book, but those that need a plot led novel might find this rough going. The narrative centres around a character known only as 'the child' who only has memories of being imprisoned with adult women in a cage and whose contact with men only comes in the form of the guards who do not interact with the caged women other than to punish them for doing things like having physical contact with each other. As the novel progresses, the situation for the women changes, and the protagonist must find a way to find understanding about life in the limited set of circumstances she is allowed.
It's a brutal book in some ways, but weirdly hopeful in others.
It's a brutal book in some ways, but weirdly hopeful in others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Confinement, Physical abuse, Suicide
Moderate: Death