Angela Carter’s darkly satirical novel, The Passion of New Eve (1977), centers on Evelyn, a misogynistic English professor who undergoes a forced sex-change operation in a dystopian America, leading him to re-evaluate power, gender, and sexual identity. As Eve, he navigates various extreme scenarios that challenge his prior beliefs about women. The book includes depictions of violence and sexual assault.

Angela Carter's The Passion of New Eve is lauded for its imaginative narrative and bold exploration of identity and gender. Critics appreciate its rich prose and inventive themes but note its complexity and sometimes chaotic structure. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its daring originality, though its dense style may challenge some readers.

Readers who relish surreal, feminist dystopias with themes of gender and identity will be captivated by Angela Carter’s The Passion of New Eve. Fans of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and Octavia Butler’s Kindred will appreciate Carter's vivid prose and complex social commentary.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Dark / Challenging / Unnerving

- The Passion of New Eve by Angela Carter is known for its exploration of themes surrounding gender and identity, drawing on influences from mythology and psychoanalysis to challenge traditional narratives.
- Published in 1977, the novel reflects the experimental style that typifies Carter's writing, often described as a blend of magical realism and feminist theory.
- Angela Carter was inspired by her stays in the United States, particularly her time in New York and Los Angeles, when creating the surreal and dystopian landscapes in the novel.

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