Book Review: The Shore of Women by Pamela Sargent
Book: The Shore of Women
Author: Pamela Sargent
Genre: Science Fiction, Feminism
Julia Rating: 10
Comments:
This is a singular book – I’ve never read a work of feminist Science Fiction before, but I love it! Pamela Sargent’s moving tale of a post apocalyptic world where women have enclosed themselves in cities and men are thrown out into the wild to treat with each other is thought provoking. The basic story is told from the point of view of a woman in the city (Laissa), her twin brother who lives outside of the city (Arvil) and a young woman who has been expelled from the city (Birana). Birana and Arvil meet each other and Arvil becomes her protector and then, later, something more. It is not believed that men are anything about animals to the women in the city, but Laissa finds out about Birana and Arvil and hopes to change the world they live in with their story. It is a touching story about love, as well as a very thought provoking story about the condition human beings can put each other in. This story is not only feminist, it also delves into humanity and is one of the only feminist stories I’ve read that doesn’t bash guys – but shows them as human beings that are able to experience and show love, compassion and respect.
Definitely recommended reading – even for guys.