The Quickening is an impressive take on the dystopian genre, quashing the classic literary vision of future female generations as oppressed. In Talulah Riley's novel, being female stands you in good stead for a life of power, privilege, and respect, while male children are reared to serve - whether in the armed forces or as meek servant eunuchs. The narrative voice switches between Victoria and Arthur - characters who take turns with each chapter, their stories intertwining in unexpected ways. This sharing of the narrative between an oppressed male, yet one who still maintains a level of privilege, and a woman who deep down, feels cynicism toward the authorities, gives the novel a strong sense of pace. Arthur's account of the subjugation experienced by men builds much reader empathy - halfway through the novel, you will yearn for a male coup against the regime! The influence of Orwell and Atwood seems clear here and, much like these masters before her, Riley does not provide a light beach read, but a powerful and provoking take on extremism left unchecked.