I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
A book I picked up from one of my fathers bookshelves when I was about 13 or 14, when I was just really getting into science-fiction / fantasy. My father is the most well-read person I know, he can read an 900 page book in less than two days, and really he's the person I have to thank for my continued interest in reading.
40 Women have been living in a cage guarded by men for over ten years. They do not remember what caused them to be captured, only that they used to have lives before the cage. The main character of this novel is referred to as "The Child" because when they were placed in the cage she was only a child who could not remember her name or her family.
The first half of this novel deals with their daily lives in the cage: how they have an unknown fear of the guards and their whips, how they strive to remember their past lives and how they long for eventual freedom or an explanation.
One morning, the guards are bringing in food and an alarm sounds making them leave as quickly as possible, but leaving the door to the cage open accidentally. The women finally have freedom, and escape from their cage as swiftly as possible. What they discover is a land that is not familiar to any and as they start their search for answers or civilization they realize that they have just entered into a different kind of prison.
Very good book and a fast read, only 206 pages. What is so interesting about this book is that it is largely a description based book, sure there is dialogue but most of the action happens in the main characters mind and how she describes things. No chapters, just a steady stream of words.
The science-fiction part of the novel is just a suggestion that is not weaved into the story line, so could be enjoyed by lovers of general fiction.
I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend reading it.
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