Scan barcode
A review by samdalefox
The Power by Naomi Alderman
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
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? No
5.0
Top line summary: feminist, sci-fi, dystopian, hard hitting deliciousness. This book takes a hard look at the current power structures of the world through a gendered lens, then unravels what could happen if that gendered power was inverted, and to a lesser extent subverted. It reminded me of that quote "be grateful women only want equality, not revenge". Although clearly a feminist book, the failures of the human condition irrespective of gender are also highlighted. The end 'chapters' (an email exchange outside of the main story narrative) were particularly satisfying in this respect. It's also important to highlight that this book, while excellent in my opinion, is a little dated in its feminism. There's no great care exploring sex vs gender (biologically or socially), no clear attempt to include intersectionalism, and no mention of non binary or trans people.
I've quoted ryanjaydavidson's review below because I largely agree with it and think it's an apt summary:
"The concept of this book is brilliant, and there are a multitude of allegories, symbolism and inversions that hit you like a tonne of bricks throughout. However, while it starts strong and the action is consistently ferocious, it’s clumsily executed as a whole piece and scuppers momentum at various key stages of the narrative. A lot of comparisons have been made to the speculative fiction of Margaret Atwood, but for me it lacks the rumbling sense of dread that is so prevalent in Atwood’s work."
Despite its flaws, I'm still giving this 5 stars because it caught my interest and compelled me to keep reading. The violence in, althoughddifficult to read, never felt gratuitous. I was completely hooked and invested. This is a wonderful book to start conversations about many different aspects of feminism, sexism, and misogyny.
I've quoted ryanjaydavidson's review below because I largely agree with it and think it's an apt summary:
"The concept of this book is brilliant, and there are a multitude of allegories, symbolism and inversions that hit you like a tonne of bricks throughout. However, while it starts strong and the action is consistently ferocious, it’s clumsily executed as a whole piece and scuppers momentum at various key stages of the narrative. A lot of comparisons have been made to the speculative fiction of Margaret Atwood, but for me it lacks the rumbling sense of dread that is so prevalent in Atwood’s work."
Despite its flaws, I'm still giving this 5 stars because it caught my interest and compelled me to keep reading. The violence in, althoughddifficult to read, never felt gratuitous. I was completely hooked and invested. This is a wonderful book to start conversations about many different aspects of feminism, sexism, and misogyny.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Child abuse, War, and Violence