(Amy) I avoided this book for probably 15 years after I first saw it, because the premise struck me as one aimed at women far more angry at men than I have ever thought of being - in short, it seemed like revenge fiction, like man-hating "feminist" propaganda. And actually, I suspect that if that's what you're looking for, you could probably find it here, but I think that's more a tribute to the ability of people with a Cause to see what they expect to see than it is a reflection on the story actually contained in this book.

...of course, explaining all the ways in which the things that look like man-hating really aren't would require spoilers galore, so I guess I'll just have to ask you to take my word for it. Still, I recommend the book for anyone willing to suspend judgment on that front until the final reveal, and who is also both willing and able to think about gender-related issues without adding a coat of froth on top. Oh, and it's a pretty decent post-apocalyptic presentation, too.
( http://weblog.siliconcerebrate.com/ze... )

Hard for me to read, maybe because I'm not that into Roman/Greek mythology. Very interesting society she's built here. Her characters are interesting and she makes some really interesting observations through them.

Apparently a classic of feminist fiction, so if you have any feminist leanings you should pick this one up! ( )

I can no more pick a favorite book than I can pick a favorite breath of air, but this one would be a serious contender for the title. It has a message without being preachy. It's a "what might be" that feels completely plausible. The characters are for the most part complex, and products of their environment and civilization. A few plot holes are big enough to drive a truck through, but I didn't even notice until I was out of the grip of the story. Accusations of "man hating" are generally flung at this novel, but I invite the flingers to reread the story - a second reading turns up a great deal more nuance than the first reading provides. The worst men (and the worst women) were made, not born - their genes are stacked against them, but their society has deliberately created an environment in which only the truly dedicated can escape.

As another reviewer said, it's difficult for me to review this novel without gushing, so I'll end with the observation that the book's meaning for me has changed as my life has changed. It was electrifying to me as a young college student, it was powerful when I was choosing a husband, and it breaks my heart when I look at my infant son. ( )

I had heard a lot of "man-hating crap" comments about this book and got curious. Well, there was certainly some of that. However, I found the portrayal of the women just as unflattering—foolish and compliant or manipulative and deceitful.

Her writing is good, the plot was interesting and, though there wasn't much to like in any of the social structures, it passed an afternoon. ( )

This book is in the running for my favorite book ever (if I could possibly pick just one).

Unlike some of Tepper's other works, this book demonstrates her worldview through action and story-telling rather than preaching. There is a lot going on in this book, and she manages to get it all in with some very tight writing. When I picked this book up recently after a long time since my first reading, I was surprised by how short it was--I was convinced that it had to be much longer to get in everything that I remembered.

I particularly like the way Tepper demonstrates that a pacifist society is not a weak society. The society that she creates is complex and very well-thought out. The characters strive to do what is best for everyone, but they understand that tough choices need to be made in the short run to create a more just society in the long run.

I have a hard time reviewing this because I love it so much I just want to gush about how wonderful it is, but it really deserves more than that. I love it because it is so thought-provoking and richly layered. I don't usually re-read books until I have pretty much forgotten what they were about, because I get bored easily, but there is so much going on in this book, I could have happily re-read it immediately after I finished it. If it weren't for the mountain of books waiting to be read, I might have. ( )