Rediscovering a Feminist Dystopian Gem
It is not often that there are lots of reviews out and about of books that were published nearly 30 years ago.. I kept seeing reviews pop up of I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, and I had to see what all the fuss was about!
This book is dystopian, science fiction – not a genre you will often see me reviewing, but I am a sucker for feminist dystopia (think The Handmaid’s Tale) so I was keen to try this one. I was not disappointed.
The story follows a nameless young girl, who, along with thirty-nine other women, is confined in an underground prison for reasons unknown. Their lives change suddenly when their guards abruptly abandon them, leaving the women to navigate an unfamiliar world above ground.
The protagonist is the youngest of the 40 women. Unlike the others, she has no recollection of the world before their captivity, which provides her with a unique perspective on their situation. The other women, who cling to memories of their past lives, serve as a stark contrast to the protagonist's lack of historical context. The dynamics among the women highlight themes of survival, camaraderie, and the diverse ways individuals cope with trauma.
One of the standout themes from this book which will stick with me is the important of human connection for survival and mental well-being. This book is unlike any others I have read. The writing style is sparse and the narrative is introspective, which may not appeal to everyone. I personally enjoy reading what’s happening inside someone’s head. This book is largely philosophical, and I think this might be why this is having a resurgence. The protagonist is reflective, and in turn, this makes the reader reflect. Even social constructs of how we tell time come into play as the women try to make sense of their surroundings, and try to identify patterns around and within them.
I think if you are a reader who values plot above all else, this will not be the book for you. I think if you like to have everything wrapped up in a bow, with all of your questions answered, this book is not for you. I had so many questions after finishing this one – I think it would be a fabulous book to read with others, and discuss in a group.
This book is for fans of feminist dystopia, who appreciate literary fiction. If you like to be challenged and think deeply, this is the book for you. If you want to read something a bit different, then add this to your TBR, because life is too short to read bad books.