Piercy presents us with multiple worlds of utopia and dystopia which are both disorientating and fascinating to the reader. A really important feminist utopian novel which explores some key issues not only of its time, but of times before and after it.
The unlikely heroine of the book 'travels' between times and realities to discover a future which is the complete opposite of her expectations. Piercy does not present us with a future of space crafts and techno-centric society. Rather, a wonderful mix of the rural, old and familiar is entwined with progressive thoughts on society and technology.
This book is full of wonderful ideas and innovative style. However, it is a challenge to read and can demand a little too much patience from the reader. It can be read as somewhat of a bleak work, but there is beauty and hope in there too.
A rewarding, if not somewhat challenging read. ( )

Julien, one of my favorite teen patrons, just came and told me to read this so it's on my list.

Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy (1990) ( )

I read this when it first came out several millenia ago. I was working in a rape crisis centre at the time and was immersed in the women's movement in every aspect of my life. This was a very popular book among my friends, and I, being a long time science fiction and fantasy fan, was pleased to have a chance to read it and other sf with feminist themes.

The actual book, however, does not stand out in my memory. It didn't move me terribly much as a story, though I liked it well enough to finish it. Still, it was important to have these ideas represented in fiction, and to have a chance to envision the world in these ways. In that sense it is historically important for me, if not in the sense of one of my favourite books. ( )

A friend of mine was reading this book recently, which reminded me I had read it -- a long time ago. I remember liking it, but the details have faded a bit. ( )