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A review by mkrsksms
Native Tongue by Suzette Haden Elgin
3.0
I found the premise of this book to be incredibly fascinating. Conlangs are already interesting by themselves, and here was one that was created by women FOR women, in order to free them from the men's control.
I enjoyed reading about the descriptions of language and its development and acquisition. I rooted for the women to outsmart the men. I was frustrated at the ridiculousness of the men. However, I felt that the book was lacking in its world-building. There was so much potential, but the gaps in the world-building, the holes in the plot, the hand-wavy explanations that were glossed over and were meant to be accepted as they were, no questions asked - these made it too difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the book.
Nevertheless, I thought it was quite thought-provoking (although understandably dated in its concepts), and I appreciate what it was trying to do.
I enjoyed reading about the descriptions of language and its development and acquisition. I rooted for the women to outsmart the men. I was frustrated at the ridiculousness of the men. However, I felt that the book was lacking in its world-building. There was so much potential, but the gaps in the world-building, the holes in the plot, the hand-wavy explanations that were glossed over and were meant to be accepted as they were, no questions asked - these made it too difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the book.
Nevertheless, I thought it was quite thought-provoking (although understandably dated in its concepts), and I appreciate what it was trying to do.