Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book and could not shut up about it at work. Every morning everyone had to hear all about it. I find used copies in bookstores and give them to friends. It's soooo delicious. The characters are well developed and wonderful. The story kept me flipping pages late at night. Although it's not a particulaly "happy" story, it's a celebration of women and I highly recomend it. Plus it's got cool aliens and secrets and other fun things.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the best books I ever read. This book happens in a future where women are property and earth is negotiating with aliens for technology and other goods. The women of certain families are able to absorb alien languages as babies and children and then use their skills in these negotiations when older. Unforgettable characters, intriquiging situations and most of all the richness of the womens spirit and strength (and secrets) had me flipping pages and talking about this book every day at work. I couldn't shut up about this book. Thank goodness there are 2 sequels, The Judas Rose and Earthsong.
Even though this book was written back in 1984, I think fans of feminist science fiction, such as that written by Sheri Tepper and Pamela Sargent, will enjoy it; it's pretty timely, I think.
