49 pages 1 hour read

Jacqueline Harpman

I Who Have Never Known Men

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Jacqueline Harpman's speculative fiction novel I Who Have Never Known Men, 39 women and a young girl are confined in an underground cage until the unexpected disappearance of their captors allows them to escape into a barren, unknown world. Narrated by the youngest prisoner, the novel explores themes of humanity, the pursuit of knowledge, and curiosity. The book features human captivity and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Jacqueline Harpman's I Who Have Never Known Men is a haunting and evocative novel that delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the human condition. Critics praise its philosophical depth and unique narrative style. However, some find the pacing slow and the lack of concrete answers frustrating. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read for those who appreciate introspective literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read I Who Have Never Known Men?

Readers who enjoy contemplative, dystopian narratives exploring human nature and existential themes will be captivated by Jacqueline Harpman's I Who Have Never Known Men. Fans of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go will find its introspective depth compelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

French Literature

Themes

Identity: Sexuality

Natural World: Place

Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness

Topics

Gender / Feminism