A book review by Bexley Public Library team member, Debbie.
Some of the most thought-provoking and compelling science fiction asks the question ‘What would happen if?’ In Naomi Alderman’s The Power across the world young women (and only women) start manifesting a mysterious ability to give electrical shocks – anywhere from light shocks to killing bolts. The Power is a smart, fascinating look about how the world would change if the power balance literally changed overnight. The novel follows four characters as they discover their power and then navigate the changing world. Roxy, a tough London girl, shocks and kills a man attacking her mother, Allie, a young woman living in an abusive foster home, shocks and kills her abusive foster father. A politician, Margot Cleary, has her power woken up by her daughter, Jocelyn and Tunde Edo is a young man who is the first to document the ‘Power’ phenomenon. But as women come into their power those who have been running the world feel more threatened.
The Power is not only a book that will make you re-examine the world you know but it is also a thrilling, fast-paced novel with great characters. I found the book to be both a gripping science fiction novel and a profound look at the nature of power and society that I’m still thinking about.
A warning to readers – The Power is well worth reading BUT is not a utopian book and has some very disturbing depictions of war and atrocities.
For bookclubs:
Debbie found Book Club questions from the great folks at Litlovers: https://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/fiction/11206-power-alderman?start=3
The Power is also in the works to be a show on Amazon Originals!