54 pages • 1 hour read
The Blazing World
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Book Brief
228
Novel • Fiction
Alternate Universe • 17th Century
1666
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish follows a woman's adventure to a fantastical utopian world where she becomes Empress. The narrative merges a romance where hybrids rescue her after a shipwreck, philosophical discussions with her advisors, and a fantastical story involving a strong friendship with the Duchess of Newcastle. Their collaboration leads to the creation of various worlds and an eventual peace-keeping mission to her homeland.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Adventurous
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
1,726 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Margaret Cavendish’s The Blazing World is lauded for its imaginative narrative and proto-science fiction elements, breaking barriers in 17th-century literature. Its philosophical discussions and utopian themes are intriguing, though some find the prose dense and the plot convoluted. Overall, it’s a pioneering and thought-provoking read despite its complexity.
Who Should Read The Blazing World?
A reader who would enjoy Margaret Cavendish's The Blazing World is likely captivated by early science fiction, utopian literature, and feminist themes. They may also appreciate works like Thomas More’s Utopia and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for their speculative nature and philosophical inquiries.
1,726 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
228
Novel • Fiction
Alternate Universe • 17th Century
1666
Adult
18+ years
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