The Female Man (Bluestreak, #11) (S.F. Masterworks)

by Joanna Russ

A landmark book in the fields of science fiction and feminism.

Four women living in parallel worlds, each with a different gender landscape. When they begin to travel to each other's worlds each woman's preconceptions on gender and what it means to be a woman are challenged.

Acclaimed as one of the essential works of science fiction and an influence on William Gibson, THE FEMALE MAN takes a look at gender roles in society and remains a work of great power.

• ISBN10: 0575094990
• ISBN13: 9780575094994
• Publish Date: 11 November 2010 (first published 8 December 1977)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Gollancz
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 224
• Language: English

Reviews

[HekArtemis]

Another one I don't quite know how to rate. On the one hand I did like the story itself, the concept, the worlds. On the other hand I hated the writing style, like hated it. HATED IT. It's a writing style that reminds me of cyberpunk, disjointed, crazy, senseless, hyperactive, drug induced, there should probably be some neon lights around here somewhere. Hate it. So much.

If it was written more normally, with proper world building, better timelines (I am fine with switching among several timelines, but not like this book does it), better perspective shifts, etc, then I think this could be a fantastic book. Because I really did like the idea of the story and the worlds, and even the characters. Also this is a very quotable book, I have so many highlights.

Essentially I want to give the story 5 stars. But I want to give the writing style, and thus the execution, 1 star. I am not sure meeting in the middle at 2.5 or 3 would really be accurate though.
So... Maybe I will just leave this one unrated.

[celinenyx]

This book is written in blood.
Is it written entirely in blood?
No, some of it is written in tears.
Are the blood and tears all mine?
Yes, they have been in the past.