The Power - Naomi Alderman

Well well well. I do love a good premise and The Power has that in spades. Imagine if women evolved to have electrical power that made them physically stronger than men. How would society look? This book turns on its head the notion that women are more compassionate and thoughtful leaders because of our nature. How about instead, because we have an intimate knowledge of fear caused by intimidation and oppression, we are more inclined to show compassion. Once that fear is gone, well... maybe we'd just be like every other dictator hell bent on power.

And really, is The Power a nod to the actual power of electricity experienced by the women in the book, or the overall balance of power that shifts once women are able to physically overpower men. It's clever. Very clever.

The book is full of men railing against the injustice of women who are able to physically dominate them, as they begin to travel in groups or take precautions against sexual assault. It's so unfair they decry. And it is. Because sexual assault is terrible and awful, but does it drive home for men what maybe the experience of a woman has been like all these years?

The female news anchor now has a knowing look when her older male colleague makes a snide offensive remark. Is it really not surprising when he's exchanged with a younger male host who's good looks and talent are relegated to the cooking and soft segments of the morning news. The people want to hear the hard news from the stronger anchor.

Clever again. I mean, the most clever part of the book is taking a concept which I would typically support, the strengthening of women to the point where they could no longer be victimized and makes it so very unappealing as women begin to commit the very atrocities that are so reprehensible today.

A well done look at a very fascinating premise.

4/5 Stars.