carlatemis 's review for:

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

4.5

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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This is such an interesting read, largely because of the focus on the women

(and absence of men except as jailors or dead prisoners)

and the way the narrator and her view of humanity are shaped by her life with these women. The community they form is fascinating study of companionship, compassion, different types of love, resilience, and the effects of complacency. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Suicide, Terminal illness, Kidnapping