Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A small miracle . . . I Who Have Never Known Men is about as heavyhearted as fiction can get.”—New York Times
“Mesmerizing. . . . The book’s austere mystery—the atrophied and gelid world it depicts—provides a richly allusive consideration of human life.”—Deborah Eisenberg, New York Review of Books
“A consistently gripping experience.”―TLS
“Like Kafka with a dash of Ursula Le Guin, this story is part mystery, part science fiction, and all literature.”—Booklist
“Reading I Who Have Never Known Men forces the reader to contemplate what an immense privilege it is to be able to read books at all.”—Emily Gould, The Cut
“[I] couldn’t put it down. . . . It’s a deceptively simple but wholly propulsive story that explores the interplay between memory, patriarchy and solidarity.”—Laila Lalami, author of The Dream Hotel
“Immediately reminiscent of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Evocative and thrilling, it’s a dystopian modern classic.”—Dua Lipa’sService95 Book Club
“Harpman says here all there is to say about dignity and the difficulty of remaining human in the face of suffering.”—Le Quotidien
“It is surprising that a book with the psychological detail of a nightmare elicits in the reader feelings of such profound intensity.”—Le Monde
“The delirium of I Who Have Never Known Men suggests the work of a feminine Kafka.”—Le Nouvel Observateur
“[A] riveting narrative. . . . Carefully crafted, this novel is both unusual and thought-provoking.”—Library Journal
“Unlike other science fiction or fantasy novels, this is a universe without an invented order: there is no known infrastructure, no reveal, no men hiding behind a curtain. It is the simplicity of the writing that makes my skin crawl, so eerie in its absences.”—Haley Mlotek,Frieze
“[An] eerily evocative novel . . . this intriguingly dark thought experiment told by a compellingly alien voice—dispassionate and unfussy—is strangely fascinating.”—Lucy Scholes, The Times
“A vivid evocation of another world, alive with hope and dignity in the midst of cruelty and alienation. . . . A haunting testimony from an abandoned planet.”—Megan Hunter, author of The End We Start From
About the Author
ROS SCHWARTZ has translated numerous works of fiction and non-fiction from French, including several Georges Simenon titles for Penguin Classics, a new translation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince and, most recently, Mireille Gansel’s Translation as Transhumance. The recipient of a number of awards, she was made a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2009 and received the Institute of Translation and Interpreting’s John Sykes Memorial Prize for Excellence in 2017.
Sophie Mackintosh is the author of Blue Ticket and The Water Cure, which was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars "Embracing Solitude: A Reflection on 'I Who Have Never Known Men'"
Book Review: I Who Have Never Known Men⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"I Who Have Never Known Men" is a captivating exploration of life and the complexities of relationships, earning every bit of my five-star rating. The narrative presents a unique premise where women live in isolation from men but was around them and allowing for an introspection that is both profound and enlightening.The author skillfully weaves together a tapestry of thought-provoking quotes that linger long after reading. The main character's detachment from relationships with the other women is particularly fascinating. Rather than suffering from loneliness, this women embraces their existence, finding joy within their limited interactions. This unusual perspective on companionship challenges conventional notions of dependency in relationships.Each scene unfolds like a new page in an intriguing storybook, bringing fresh insights and experiences that keep the reader engaged. The imaginative world-building raises interesting questions: How would their lives differ if men were involved? Is the protagonist truly the only one on her planet? The deliberate choice to withhold her name adds an intriguing layer of mystique."I Who Have Never Known Men" encourages reflection on the nature of connection, love, and self-discovery, making it a thought-provoking read that stays with you. It's a fresh and imaginative portrayal of a world unbound by typical societal norms. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique literary experience!
4.0 out of 5 stars expect to have no answers
genre: speculative fiction, science fiction, dystopia"Deep underground, thirty-nine women live imprisoned in a cage. Watched over by guards, the women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time, and only a vague recollection of their lives before." (Goodreads synopsis)‘Hello! Is anybody there?’ This book is an allegory for our own shouts in the empty universe. Our seeking for meaning & answers where there are none. It is philosophical, existential, thought provoking. It was a strange read that stayed with me long after I closed the pages. A story with many questions and few answers.
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but problems with writing style
2.5 stars. I finished this little book in 2 days, it was interesting and somewhat enjoyable read, and thought provoking, but mostly for the wrong and unintentional reasons. I don't understand all the five star reviews, as I found it very problematic as a novel.The major problems are with the framing and writing style. The narrator reveals in the first few of pages that she is alone and dying and is writing the story of what happened to her. As a very young child, with no memories of a before, she is imprisoned in a cage with a group of 40 women. Guards who never speak to them patrol the outside.A little bit spoliery, but not much:They are not allowed to touch each other, and the women don't interact much or talk much to the child, so that she mostly understands through listening to them. They have nothing other than food and bedding. However, despite all this, the narrator is now writing reflectively, with a highly developed vocabulary, about her past. For me this broke the fourth wall and the immersion in the book. I was unable to suspend my disbelief.Later there is some logic to how she could have begun to understand more about the world in which we live, and learn rudimentary reading skills. But to think that she understood what she did, could reflect on abstract concepts in the way she did, and use the extensive vocabulary that she did, is unbelievable even given her later experiences. I have a PhD in Psycho-Linguistics, study children's language development, and all that I have studied and read would not lead to a person with the experiences the protagonist had, being able to write and reason as eloquently as this, or being able to read the few books it is later mentioned she has access to.Also, many people have seen this as a feminist novel, talking about the subjugation of women. And while I agree there are discussions of menstruation, wombs, the importance of children to women, I don't agree it is about the subjugation of women.Spoilers here:When they find other cages, they are just as likely to be men as women. So this is not something done just to women, but to both sexes equally. Neither are the women sexually abused or interfered with as women in any way.I also, take issue with the talk that they are not on Earth. They seem to quickly jump to this conclusion, with very little firm evidence. While later the years of walking through the wilderness, with a lack of seasons and winter, make this likely, there, are other possible explanations as to why they are somewhere that might not be Earth as they know it. They could be in a computer simulation for instance. It could all be a dream by the protagonist who is in a comma. These are as likely explanations as being on another planet. Perhaps even more so, as they can explain why the women who remember other things about their lives in imprisonment (despite a few years being possibly drugged, making the events that lead up to imprisonment and early years blurry), don't recall space exploration, or anything like that. It would also explain why the electricity and water remain on and everything continues working for more than 40 years without apparent maintenance. They and we cannot conclude anything about where they are from the evidence provided.It is a philosophical book, and an interesting book. It made me think, although mostly about what was wrong with the book, and how it could have been written and framed differently to tell the same story but in a more immersive and believable was. So glad I read it, but don't recommend it, and don't understand the many 4 and 5 star reviews.
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my new favorites
I really enjoyed this book. I was left feeling curious, longed for more and was also in a heavy analyzation mode. It was so thought provoking...as a person who enjoys being alone most of the time, it gave me a good deal to ponder. It made me more curious of myself. Don't expect to feel 100% satisfied with the story...that's the point. Highly recommend.
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the read
Really good book, pretty sad at several points, but it makes you appreciate what you have and makes you think about how bad things could truly get if we let them. A great story about perseverance and strength and not giving up. The story did drag a little, but overall it was good.
5.0 out of 5 stars My heart ached throughout this story
4.5 StarsIt is a short, dystopian story that is a beautiful, harrowing tale about life, grief, and humanity. This tale will stick with me for a long time.In a bunker underground, thirty-nine women and one young girl go through day to day life not knowing how they got there. The women have vague memories of a past left behind but the girl only knows of the bunker. Days go by and the only telling of other life are the men who guard them. They come and go but never speak. Then on a day like any other, their world as they know it flips upside down and they are left in a different type of prison.Filled with hope, despair, love, and anguish. It is a small story that packs a great big punch.
Maravilhoso recomendo
excelente livro merece mais reconhecimento
Llego dañado. Muy mal
The media could not be loaded.
Intriguing Read!
This book pulled me in right away and I couldn't put it down. You'll need to talk about this book when you're done for sure! Great read.
livro novo chegou sujo e amassado
não consigo entender qual o sentido de entregar um livro que custou 20 reais em perfeito estado e esse, que paguei quase 100, em um PÉSSIMO estado. todos os livros “internacionais” da Bolo são entregues dessa forma, vocês deveriam parar de vender se não conseguem entregar o mínimo de qualidade esperada para o valor pago.
good read but poor quality construction
good book, but poorly made, it fell apart
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I Who Have Never Known Men
AED11637
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
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Imported From: United States
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Visit the Transit Books Store
I Who Have Never Known Men
AED11637
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A small miracle . . . I Who Have Never Known Men is about as heavyhearted as fiction can get.”—New York Times
“Mesmerizing. . . . The book’s austere mystery—the atrophied and gelid world it depicts—provides a richly allusive consideration of human life.”—Deborah Eisenberg, New York Review of Books
“A consistently gripping experience.”―TLS
“Like Kafka with a dash of Ursula Le Guin, this story is part mystery, part science fiction, and all literature.”—Booklist
“Reading I Who Have Never Known Men forces the reader to contemplate what an immense privilege it is to be able to read books at all.”—Emily Gould, The Cut
“[I] couldn’t put it down. . . . It’s a deceptively simple but wholly propulsive story that explores the interplay between memory, patriarchy and solidarity.”—Laila Lalami, author of The Dream Hotel
“Immediately reminiscent of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Evocative and thrilling, it’s a dystopian modern classic.”—Dua Lipa’sService95 Book Club
“Harpman says here all there is to say about dignity and the difficulty of remaining human in the face of suffering.”—Le Quotidien
“It is surprising that a book with the psychological detail of a nightmare elicits in the reader feelings of such profound intensity.”—Le Monde
“The delirium of I Who Have Never Known Men suggests the work of a feminine Kafka.”—Le Nouvel Observateur
“[A] riveting narrative. . . . Carefully crafted, this novel is both unusual and thought-provoking.”—Library Journal
“Unlike other science fiction or fantasy novels, this is a universe without an invented order: there is no known infrastructure, no reveal, no men hiding behind a curtain. It is the simplicity of the writing that makes my skin crawl, so eerie in its absences.”—Haley Mlotek,Frieze
“[An] eerily evocative novel . . . this intriguingly dark thought experiment told by a compellingly alien voice—dispassionate and unfussy—is strangely fascinating.”—Lucy Scholes, The Times
“A vivid evocation of another world, alive with hope and dignity in the midst of cruelty and alienation. . . . A haunting testimony from an abandoned planet.”—Megan Hunter, author of The End We Start From
About the Author
ROS SCHWARTZ has translated numerous works of fiction and non-fiction from French, including several Georges Simenon titles for Penguin Classics, a new translation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince and, most recently, Mireille Gansel’s Translation as Transhumance. The recipient of a number of awards, she was made a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2009 and received the Institute of Translation and Interpreting’s John Sykes Memorial Prize for Excellence in 2017.
Sophie Mackintosh is the author of Blue Ticket and The Water Cure, which was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars "Embracing Solitude: A Reflection on 'I Who Have Never Known Men'"
Book Review: I Who Have Never Known Men⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"I Who Have Never Known Men" is a captivating exploration of life and the complexities of relationships, earning every bit of my five-star rating. The narrative presents a unique premise where women live in isolation from men but was around them and allowing for an introspection that is both profound and enlightening.The author skillfully weaves together a tapestry of thought-provoking quotes that linger long after reading. The main character's detachment from relationships with the other women is particularly fascinating. Rather than suffering from loneliness, this women embraces their existence, finding joy within their limited interactions. This unusual perspective on companionship challenges conventional notions of dependency in relationships.Each scene unfolds like a new page in an intriguing storybook, bringing fresh insights and experiences that keep the reader engaged. The imaginative world-building raises interesting questions: How would their lives differ if men were involved? Is the protagonist truly the only one on her planet? The deliberate choice to withhold her name adds an intriguing layer of mystique."I Who Have Never Known Men" encourages reflection on the nature of connection, love, and self-discovery, making it a thought-provoking read that stays with you. It's a fresh and imaginative portrayal of a world unbound by typical societal norms. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique literary experience!
4.0 out of 5 stars expect to have no answers
genre: speculative fiction, science fiction, dystopia"Deep underground, thirty-nine women live imprisoned in a cage. Watched over by guards, the women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time, and only a vague recollection of their lives before." (Goodreads synopsis)‘Hello! Is anybody there?’ This book is an allegory for our own shouts in the empty universe. Our seeking for meaning & answers where there are none. It is philosophical, existential, thought provoking. It was a strange read that stayed with me long after I closed the pages. A story with many questions and few answers.
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but problems with writing style
2.5 stars. I finished this little book in 2 days, it was interesting and somewhat enjoyable read, and thought provoking, but mostly for the wrong and unintentional reasons. I don't understand all the five star reviews, as I found it very problematic as a novel.The major problems are with the framing and writing style. The narrator reveals in the first few of pages that she is alone and dying and is writing the story of what happened to her. As a very young child, with no memories of a before, she is imprisoned in a cage with a group of 40 women. Guards who never speak to them patrol the outside.A little bit spoliery, but not much:They are not allowed to touch each other, and the women don't interact much or talk much to the child, so that she mostly understands through listening to them. They have nothing other than food and bedding. However, despite all this, the narrator is now writing reflectively, with a highly developed vocabulary, about her past. For me this broke the fourth wall and the immersion in the book. I was unable to suspend my disbelief.Later there is some logic to how she could have begun to understand more about the world in which we live, and learn rudimentary reading skills. But to think that she understood what she did, could reflect on abstract concepts in the way she did, and use the extensive vocabulary that she did, is unbelievable even given her later experiences. I have a PhD in Psycho-Linguistics, study children's language development, and all that I have studied and read would not lead to a person with the experiences the protagonist had, being able to write and reason as eloquently as this, or being able to read the few books it is later mentioned she has access to.Also, many people have seen this as a feminist novel, talking about the subjugation of women. And while I agree there are discussions of menstruation, wombs, the importance of children to women, I don't agree it is about the subjugation of women.Spoilers here:When they find other cages, they are just as likely to be men as women. So this is not something done just to women, but to both sexes equally. Neither are the women sexually abused or interfered with as women in any way.I also, take issue with the talk that they are not on Earth. They seem to quickly jump to this conclusion, with very little firm evidence. While later the years of walking through the wilderness, with a lack of seasons and winter, make this likely, there, are other possible explanations as to why they are somewhere that might not be Earth as they know it. They could be in a computer simulation for instance. It could all be a dream by the protagonist who is in a comma. These are as likely explanations as being on another planet. Perhaps even more so, as they can explain why the women who remember other things about their lives in imprisonment (despite a few years being possibly drugged, making the events that lead up to imprisonment and early years blurry), don't recall space exploration, or anything like that. It would also explain why the electricity and water remain on and everything continues working for more than 40 years without apparent maintenance. They and we cannot conclude anything about where they are from the evidence provided.It is a philosophical book, and an interesting book. It made me think, although mostly about what was wrong with the book, and how it could have been written and framed differently to tell the same story but in a more immersive and believable was. So glad I read it, but don't recommend it, and don't understand the many 4 and 5 star reviews.
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my new favorites
I really enjoyed this book. I was left feeling curious, longed for more and was also in a heavy analyzation mode. It was so thought provoking...as a person who enjoys being alone most of the time, it gave me a good deal to ponder. It made me more curious of myself. Don't expect to feel 100% satisfied with the story...that's the point. Highly recommend.
4.0 out of 5 stars Worth the read
Really good book, pretty sad at several points, but it makes you appreciate what you have and makes you think about how bad things could truly get if we let them. A great story about perseverance and strength and not giving up. The story did drag a little, but overall it was good.
5.0 out of 5 stars My heart ached throughout this story
4.5 StarsIt is a short, dystopian story that is a beautiful, harrowing tale about life, grief, and humanity. This tale will stick with me for a long time.In a bunker underground, thirty-nine women and one young girl go through day to day life not knowing how they got there. The women have vague memories of a past left behind but the girl only knows of the bunker. Days go by and the only telling of other life are the men who guard them. They come and go but never speak. Then on a day like any other, their world as they know it flips upside down and they are left in a different type of prison.Filled with hope, despair, love, and anguish. It is a small story that packs a great big punch.
Maravilhoso recomendo
excelente livro merece mais reconhecimento
Llego dañado. Muy mal
The media could not be loaded.
Intriguing Read!
This book pulled me in right away and I couldn't put it down. You'll need to talk about this book when you're done for sure! Great read.
livro novo chegou sujo e amassado
não consigo entender qual o sentido de entregar um livro que custou 20 reais em perfeito estado e esse, que paguei quase 100, em um PÉSSIMO estado. todos os livros “internacionais” da Bolo são entregues dessa forma, vocês deveriam parar de vender se não conseguem entregar o mínimo de qualidade esperada para o valor pago.
good read but poor quality construction
good book, but poorly made, it fell apart
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