The Quickening is a frightening and haunting glimpse into a dystopian society where women (or individuals who identify as women) are the superior governing race. However, the story isn’t just about what it would be like if women took control. In fact, the book takes a much more extremist view into this chilling possibility.
Men are treated as property, or in some cases considered worthless and sent off to wars to be ‘disposed’ of. They’ve no rights, no voice, and those who are considered lucky act as mere ‘trophy husbands’ to their wives. It’s eye opening and controversial but I think that this is intentionally done by the author to paint a picture of what life to women is like. While not all may experience such cruelty, it shows how women live in fear each time they leave their house, and so this book uses extremity to highlight this.
However, while the book shows how this new society improves the lives of women, their world isn’t so picture perfect. They have dress codes, and their children are mere objects, hidden away from them - among other things.
Overall, this was an intriguing reimagining of society, one that I have not yet come across. The writing is quite jarring, blunt and far from poetic, but I think that this is fitting and impactful for such a story. A great book! [3.5/5 stars]
Men are treated as property, or in some cases considered worthless and sent off to wars to be ‘disposed’ of. They’ve no rights, no voice, and those who are considered lucky act as mere ‘trophy husbands’ to their wives. It’s eye opening and controversial but I think that this is intentionally done by the author to paint a picture of what life to women is like. While not all may experience such cruelty, it shows how women live in fear each time they leave their house, and so this book uses extremity to highlight this.
However, while the book shows how this new society improves the lives of women, their world isn’t so picture perfect. They have dress codes, and their children are mere objects, hidden away from them - among other things.
Overall, this was an intriguing reimagining of society, one that I have not yet come across. The writing is quite jarring, blunt and far from poetic, but I think that this is fitting and impactful for such a story. A great book! [3.5/5 stars]