A review by zenzi2read
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I enjoy a character study of a complex woman, and that’s exactly what’s explored here. Although the world is stark and the main character writes in a way that seems cold, there is something slightly optimistic about this book. Although it goes unacknowledged for much of the book this explorer, the importance of  found family and strong female relationships.

Despite the inhumane treatment and monotonous lives that these women share, they find ways to explore their mind and memories to maintain their humanity. This is bleak and hopeful at the same time, but I could not put this book down .
Expand filter menu Content Warnings