A review by aprilhinkle
Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy

challenging hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book. I thought Piercy did an amazing job of portraying the horrors of institutionalization for the supposedly insane in the 70s. Poor women of color being committed because they refuse to accept the dirth of power they've been allotted. This book gives a glimpse into a poor middle aged latina woman's life without being patronizing or martyring her. 

The themes of time travel and utopia were, in my opinion, the weakest part of the book. But Piercy's bravery at imagining a different world and exploring it through the main character's eyes makes up for the moments it felt weak. She is an astounding writer of the real, tangible world and a decent sci-fi writer. 

As a woman this book felt so important. It is a glimpse into the battles that other women had to endure to be given basic human rights and decency. The fight that we are still fighting for bodily atonomy and being seen as a whole person. And the fight we as a society have around the persistent cruelties of our class system. This is a book for feminists, communists, anyone who has been institutionalized, and for anyone who wants more about how we get free. 
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