48 pages • 1 hour read
The Power
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Book Brief
341
Novel • Fiction
Global • Near Future
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Power by Naomi Alderman is a speculative fiction novel set in a near-contemporary world where women suddenly gain the ability to generate electrical shocks through a newly developed muscle, the skein, allowing them to overpower men. The narrative follows Allie, a girl escaping an abusive foster home; Roxy, the daughter of a crime boss; Margot, an ambitious politician; and Tunde, an investigative journalist documenting the upheaval.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
265,172 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Naomi Alderman's The Power has garnered significant praise for its imaginative and thought-provoking exploration of gender dynamics, with many reviewers lauding its compelling narrative and sharp social commentary. Some critiques mention a lack of subtlety and uneven pacing, but overall, it's considered a bold, engaging work that challenges readers to rethink societal norms.
Who Should Read The Power?
Ideal for fans of speculative fiction and feminist literature, The Power by Naomi Alderman appeals to readers who enjoyed The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Enthralling and provocative, it weaves a narrative exploring gender dynamics and power shifts, captivating those intrigued by dystopian worlds and social revolution.
265,172 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Margot Cleary
Margot Cleary
A savvy politician who uses the skein to navigate and manipulate the political landscape, embodying both the opportunities and dangers of newly-empowered women.
Olatunde Edo
Olatunde Edo
A journalist whose eyewitness accounts provide an objective narrative of the events leading up to the rise of women, exploring the complexities of gender and power.
Roxy Monke
Roxy Monke
A strong-willed martial arts devotee and daughter of a crime boss, known for her determination and survival instincts, who undergoes significant personal growth.
Tatiana Moskalev
Tatiana Moskalev
Moldova’s First Lady turned President, amassing power through a ruthless regime and building an army, representing the extreme corruption of power.
Neil Adam Armon
Neil Adam Armon
An author from a future society where men face discrimination, serving as the narrative’s frame by chronicling the history and implications of the skein’s emergence.
341
Novel • Fiction
Global • Near Future
2017
Adult
18+ years
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