The Power, Alderman: An honest review

One day, whilst strolling into the library at University, there was a box of free books next to the turn wheel where we have to scan to enter. This, I saw, had The Power by Naomi Alderman in with a large sticker on each cover to say the university was donating this.

Interestingly, I heard about this feminist novel from a friend the week before. It had gained a lot of public attention, and was criticised and praised in various pockets of society. What I knew of it, was very little, apart from its feminist world whereby men had lost their power over women. At the time, I was reading Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaids Tale and strongly believed it would have a similar resemblance to it. I was quite wrong.

The Cover: Review and analysis

At once, on seeing this editions cover (above), I knew it to be a dystopian or totalitarian novel. There are various edition covers, the most popular a hand with veins which perimeter it. The bold lines and central figure in a powerful stance resembles that of a propaganda poster. Here are a few examples that I can find. Additionally, the red, white and black are similar to an Animal Farm, by George Orwell, edition or 1984. Some examples can be found here with the most similar cover example here.

Already, there is a feminist sense in this cover, as a strong female figure stands in place of what historically would be a male figure. The reader may look at this cover and link its content to war and feminism, with a strong female lead.

Personally, I enjoy this cover more than the hand. It leaves a sense of mystery, but some idea to the themes it contains. Whereas, I think the hand may almost spoil it for me. I won’t say more to avoid a spoiler at this stage.

Quick Synopsis

The Power is a world where women can use a power, from their hands, against men which leads to a change in social dynamic as it can be used to oppress men. It follows four perspectives, Roxy, Tunde, Allie, and Margot. Tunde is a male journalist who documents the events as the women take this new found power and use violence to create a female-dominated world.

My Review

It is well written. I enjoy the choppy sentences and chapters, it adds to the sharpness of the story line. Alderman had created a familiar world for the reader and implanted science fiction in a subtle, yet thrilling way. I find it effective to give women something that men do not have and cannot get. What I found quite unsettling is this sense that by giving women power. They will use it violently and treat men almost similar to how they treated women. This aspect is very different to similar female dominated worlds, where nature and harmony are the focus. I suppose then, it brings attention to the question of the title. When someone holds the power, power of any kind, how would they use it? It seems, usually with violence.

Unsurprisingly, this is not a book that is a cosy and pleasurable read. It opens all kinds of questions: on gender and cultural politics; on violence and crime; on social and familial politics; and even on the self. There are scenes that are incredibly uncomfortable to read, hideous crimes of a similar nature does exist in our own society. So, I warn the potential reader to look out for content warnings. Know, that when reading this book, Alderman is bold and challenges the reader perception of the female question.

Additionally, the science fiction element allows to further this by working the reader to locate, familiar yet far from reality, elements that slither its way through the power that women suddenly acquire. I find that Alderman crafted this well. Also, I do find it a subtle yet persuasive method to provide women with physical power over men. Yet, it ends at that. There are so many other segments of society where men still dominate women, and potentially still have a power over them. This is perhaps why women had to result in ultra violent acts to create their power female-dominated world through fear. I wonder what your perspective of this is? I have read many critiques on this book in relation to feminism and would love to hear your opinion.