A review by jebowman123
The Power by Naomi Alderman

adventurous challenging reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

It’s hard to do justice to this book in a review. The only critique I have is there might be too many points of view, but that may be because I was listening to  the audiobook. Regardless, I understand why this book was endorsed by Margaret Atwood. It doesn’t just flip gendered power dynamics on their head, it presents a well researched take on what it means to have power period. The last chapter of the book hits the hardest in an otherwise subversive narrative and cleverly asks the audience to consider who writes the history books, who interprets archaeological artifacts, what it means to be a man/woman, and what a different world would look like. I felt like the author considered everything even intersex individuals and the many expressions of power - political, social, vengeful, military, leadership, sexual, survival, etc. 

Updated from a 5.0 to a 4.75. It’s a good book and I appreciate how much was included but the major lasting memories I have are the extremely uncomfortable parts. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings