Perhaps the best way of describing The Quickening is that it's a bit like The Handmaid's Tale in reverse with a female-led society and strong female characters, although added to these layers of perspective on offer from the female author is a male narrator in the form of Arthur Alden. The novel begins with a reminiscence about his experience as a student living near Cowley Road in Oxford, attending a student party where - against the advice of his pal Sanderson - he is drawn in by Dana Mayer, who had a vision of a better world: one where women are in charge. Arthur finishes the first chapter by speculating on how easily he could have killed Dana and prevented the dystopia that was to come.
The next chapter is told from the perspective of Victoria, a one-time aspiring pop star turned Culture and Media minister in the government implementing Dana's manifesto The Quickening which has established the rules for a new order, designed to elevate and protect women. A genteel and peaceful society that prioritises nature, good manners and aesthetics. Of course, in order for women to maintain control, the freedoms of men have been necessarily limited. Arthur loves Dana but hates the world she has created. But can he find a way to resist, without losing everything? And with Dana intent on making men pay reparations for their past crimes, can Arthur be allowed to live without punishment?
The next chapter is told from the perspective of Victoria, a one-time aspiring pop star turned Culture and Media minister in the government implementing Dana's manifesto The Quickening which has established the rules for a new order, designed to elevate and protect women. A genteel and peaceful society that prioritises nature, good manners and aesthetics. Of course, in order for women to maintain control, the freedoms of men have been necessarily limited. Arthur loves Dana but hates the world she has created. But can he find a way to resist, without losing everything? And with Dana intent on making men pay reparations for their past crimes, can Arthur be allowed to live without punishment?