A must read piece of real feminist literature

This is a story about gender inequality that everyone can appreciate. (slight spoiler warning)
At first it seems like a bit of revenge and empowerment for the women in the story, but towards the end there safe becomes clearer: that power corrupts, no matter which gender; that men are not to be directly blamed for gender inequality because if women were the ones holding power they would act the same way. I think that this book can make women appreciate how difficult it is for men to become more egalitarian, and can make men appreciate how important it is that they do so, as well as highlighting how much further we have to go.

The book was also very well written, and the characters really came alive. The narrator was really good, although a few of the characters were made to sound quite whiny for some reason. However that wasn't for very much of the book.

3 people found this helpful

makes you think

This book turns gender rolls upside down and that makes it strange to listen to. But in that same vein, it shows how gender shapes our world now. Reader (voice actor) is awesome

1 person found this helpful

This book made me proud to be a woman

This book is phenomenal from start to finish. The characters are what we want to be and what we fear we are. Naomi subverts gender not as a gimmicky plot device but as a truly genius way to dismantle the patriarchy. Also, the voice acting is amazing! Bravo to Adjoa who is obviously a genius as well. I love this book!

3 people found this helpful

Outstanding & Infuriating & Brilliant

Wow. If you love dystopia novels, gender-swapping narratives, and can handle some intense violence... go now and read this.

I wanted to like the concept, but I didn't...

I had to take a break from this book for several months because the content was becoming overwhelming. The storyline is somewhat difficult to follow, and there are many disturbing scenes that didn't add much value to the book. I'm disappointed that the woman were portrayed with such violence, acting how some men act now, when they are placed in a position of power. I wish I could have liked this book because it took quite some time to get through it, but I didn't. Do not read this if you are triggered by violence and assault, there is far too much of it to enjoy this novel.

Intriguing

The concept was so interesting! And the result of how power corrupts no matter which gender has it. (not a spoiler exactly) The discussion at the end from the 2 novelists was fascinating to me. I was completely caught up in the whole story. Several discussion points, gender roles, power, remaking yourself into something, the power of trauma in an individual and how it affects their lives as they grow and change. I also need to mention the narrator. One word, amazing! She really brought the characters to life. Definitely a recommendation to read/listen.

the BEST book I've ingested in a loooong while.

I can't describe how much I loved this book. the writing is so engaging, and the book gets deeper and smarter as it goes. The narration, too, is exceptional. I highly recommend, and look forward to using it as part of my gender and social justice courses.

Thought provoking, missing one important piece

I really enjoyed this book for the most part. It's very thought provoking, with many layers that are so important to take time thinking about. I understand the question of, what does power do to a person or society, but feel that the one important piece missing was the power and love of a mother. The idea that all kindness would fly out the window that quickly, when the love of a mother is the strongest force in the world, seems off to me. One character was a mother and was doing much for her daughter yes, but where are the mothers protecting their sons (especially children)? I still recommend the read, but would have liked any reference to this.

Thought Provoking Themes

If you're looking for a book provide good discussion topics this is an excellent one. There is lots to discuss surrounding gender and power structure. It was a tough book to read due to the graphic nature of some of the scenes and heavy subject matter. The character development is lacking and it is hard to identify with most of the characters. The voice actor who reads it, is phenomenal and probably the most enjoyable part.

Amazing!

Amazing amazing amazing! The story and the performance are incredible. Every woman should read this book, and for that matter, every man too!