Our book group choice for July 2017 is The Power by Naomi Alderman. The world is a recognisable place: there’s a rich Nigerian kid who larks around the family pool; a foster girl whose religious parents hide their true nature; a local American politician; a tough London girl from a tricky family.
The Power is a 2016 science fiction novel by Naomi Alderman that explores the power dynamics between men and women in a world where women have developed the ability to release electrical jolts from their fingertips. The novel is set in a near-future world that is similar to our own, but with one major difference: all teenage girls and women now have the power to electrocute people.
The novel begins with Roxy Monke, a 14-year-old girl living in London, who witnesses her mother being murdered by two men. Roxy tries to fight back, but she is no match for the men. However, she discovers that she has the power to release electrical jolts from her fingertips. She uses this power to kill the men, and she begins to explore her new abilities.
As word spreads about the power that women now possess, the world begins to change. Women start to use their power to fight back against oppression. They overthrow governments, start businesses, and take control of their own lives.
However, the power also corrupts some women. They use their power for personal gain, and they become as oppressive as the men they once fought against. The world becomes a more violent and dangerous place, as men and women battle for power.
The novel follows a number of different characters as they navigate this new world. Roxy Monke becomes a symbol of hope for women everywhere. She uses her power to help others, and she fights for a better world. However, she also struggles to control her power, and she sometimes makes mistakes.
Another major character in the novel is Tunde Akinola, a young Nigerian man who travels the world documenting the changes that are taking place. He witnesses the violence and oppression that is happening, but he also sees the hope and potential that the new world holds.
The Power is a thought-provoking novel that explores the complex issue of power. It asks questions about the nature of power, the ways in which it can be used, and the consequences of its abuse. The novel is also a powerful exploration of gender dynamics, and it challenges us to think about the ways in which power is distributed between men and women.
Here are some of the themes that are explored in The Power:
- Power: The novel explores the different ways in which power can be used, both for good and for evil. It also examines the corrupting influence of power, and the ways in which it can lead to violence and oppression.
- Gender: The novel explores the different ways in which gender roles are constructed and maintained. It also examines the ways in which power is distributed between men and women, and the consequences of this imbalance.
- Violence: The novel depicts the violence that can occur when power is abused. It also explores the ways in which violence can be used to achieve political and social change.
- Hope: The novel ultimately offers a message of hope. It suggests that even in the face of violence and oppression, there is still the possibility of a better world.
Discussion Questions The Power
- What did you think about the lead characters – Allie, Roxy, Margot and Tunde? What role in the structure of the story did each of them play?
- Do you think the scenario played out in a plausible manner?
- Did you find the periphery male characters believable?
- What did you think of the use of the commentary between the TV presenters / Daniel and Margot to illustrate the process of gender role-reversal?
- How important was religious belief and religious institutions to the story?
- What do you think Allie’s internal voice actually was?
- Violence is a key theme in the book, was there too much emphasis on these extreme examples of human behaviour?
- Did you think the emails between Naomi and Neil which sandwich the book were necessary?
- What did you think of the artefact pictures?
Individual Ratings
DKB's Rating 
Willow's Rating
Catherine's Rating
Baljit's Rating
EmmaT's Rating