“Lively, thought-provoking . . . the plot is ingenious, packing a wallop of a surprise . . . Tepper knows how to write a well-made, on-moving story with strong characters. . . . She takes the mental risks that are the lifeblood of science fiction and all imaginative narrative.”—Ursula K. LeGuin, Los Angeles TimesSince the flames died three hundred years ago, human civilization has evolved into a … civilization has evolved into a dual society: Women’s Country, where walled towns enclose what’s left of past civilization, nurtured by women and a few nonviolent men; and the adjacent garrisons where warrior men live—the lost brothers, sons, and lovers of those in Women’s Country.
Two societies. Two competing dreams. Two ways of life, kept apart by walls stronger than stone. And yet there is a gate between them. . . .
“Tepper not only keeps us reading . . . she provokes a new look at the old issues.”—The Washington Post
“Tepper’s cast of both ordinary and extraordinary people play out a powerful drama whose significance goes beyond sex to deal with the toughest problem of all, the challenge of surmounting humanity’s most dangerous flaws so we can survive—despite ourselves.”—Locus
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Poignant and profound! I’m deeply moved.
An older book, but one of my top 5 favorites! The ultimate in girl power!
I love Sheri Tepper and this is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read it 5 or 6 times. It is brilliantly designed, a fascinating exploration of gender and patriarchal & matriarchal concepts. I love the characters and I love the way that she wove the story.
I LOVE this book. My first Sheri Tepper, this book began a romance with her writing. This is fem science fi at its very best. Beautiful writing, excellent story and twist at the end. Recommended for anyone who likes to read books that upset gender, make you think and entertain.
A fascinating take on a dystopian future where women live behind the walls in women’s country and the men live outside the walls in garrisons to protect the women. The author does a fantastic job world building in this sparse world with very strict rules. The twists and turns keep the pages turning. There are some areas that are disturbing, …
This is the all-time feminist classic, should be required reading in 9th grade. The few who’d really grasp the point, both boys and girls, would be spared much wasted time.
While a bit disjointed, I found this book thought-provoking. It would be an excellent choice for a women’s book club.
This was one of the first Sheri S. Tepper novels I tried. This and The Family Tree. Within months I owned a paperback or hardback copy of almost everything she has written. Fantastic stuff! Layered and colorful. Thoughtful. Terrific science fiction! Enjoy!
Sheri Tepper always writes thought provoking, interesting books. One of my favorite authors.
One of the best feminist novels written ; I’ve read it half a dozen times, and recommended it to all my female friends.
if only…..
Tepper write such fantastic stories, for and about women. This is one of her best
I love Sheri S. Tepper, and this is one of her best.
I love this novel for it was unpredictable while being wonderfully thrilling to read. The concepts explored in this novel had quite an impact on me.
My favorite book of all time.
Very thought provoking. Loved the story. Made me think!
I have loved this book for many years. It was my first Tepper read (and re-read) and I’ve enjoyed many more of her novels.
Makes you really think. True rating is a 4.5.
As with most any Sheri S Tepper book well worth your time to read. Thought provoking.
I enjoyed this book with its Greek tragedy paradigm and effort at solving the seemingly unavoidable repetition of history. Can’t beat the classics!
This book should be a companion book to The Handmaid’s Tale. In fact, several of Ms. Tepper’s books should be. Ms. Tepper was known for exposing terrifying potential futures, particularly for women, but invariably also posited a solution. The writing is deft and sure, the situation plausible and the solution, sadly, might just be the …