45 pages 1 hour read

Marge Piercy

Woman on the Edge of Time

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Woman on the Edge of Time follows Connie Ramos, an impoverished Mexican American woman in the 1970s who, after being unjustly committed to a psychiatric hospital, is visited by a time traveler from a utopian future. The novel alternates between Connie's struggles in the hospital and her visits to the future society of Mattapoisett, which embodies feminist and ecological ideals. The book discusses racism, sexual violence, addiction, and medical abuse, among other sensitive topics.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Marge Piercy's Woman on the Edge of Time is widely praised for its imaginative vision and feminist themes. Critics appreciate its complex narrative and bold exploration of social issues. Some, however, find its characters underdeveloped and the plot occasionally hard to follow. Overall, it's a thought-provoking, if sometimes challenging, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Woman on the Edge of Time?

Fans of speculative and feminist literature will appreciate Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy. Comparable to Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, it appeals to readers who enjoy exploring societal issues through dystopian and utopian narratives. Ideal for those interested in social justice, gender studies, and the transformative power of imagination.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Classic Fiction

Fantasy

Themes

Identity: Gender

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Life/Time: The Future