Review: More Women of Wonder ed. by Pamela Sargent

Synopsis: The second collection gathered by Pamela Sargent showcasing women writing science fiction about women. Includes seven stories plus Sargent's introduction about women authors and the portrayal of women in science fiction.

Review: As with the previous collection (Women of Wonder, pub. 1974) this collection contains a wide range of stories, both science fiction and fantasy.

Stories Included:

Jirel Meets Magic by C. L. Moore
The Lake of Gone Forever by Leigh Brackett
The Second Inquisition by Joanne Russ
The Power of Time by Josephine Sexton
The Funeral by Kate Wilhelm
Tin Solider by Joan D. Vinge
The Day Before the Revolution by Ursula K. Le Guin

The story concerning Jirel is part of Moore's collection involving the red-haired barbarian queen and had a fun sword and sorcery feel. Brackett's story has a male central character but the story had a dark, somber, tone. I didn't particularly like the female characters, but Bracket is noted for her pulp-fiction stereotypes. As for the Russ and the Sexton, I admit I didn't understand or enjoy either. Both had a time-travel flair and a esoteric depth that did not appeal to me. The Funeral had an almost Handmaid's Tale feel to it, with a unique dystopian world and social structure. The ending is vague and suites the story. Tin Solider was my favorite; a bittersweet romance, layered world, and complex characters. A close second was Le Guin's story, as a favorite. Set during a day near the end of the life of a famous revolutionary, we see the difference between why she wrote her ideas and why people think she did.

Overall, this collection is worth reading, not only for the stories but for the snapshot it captures of women in science fiction and fantasy at this time. But aside from the stories, the most valuable (and dangerous) part of the book is the two short pages in the back titled Further Reading. A list of anthologies, novels, and non-fiction books written by women, about women, is set out before you like a tantalizing menu of fantastic reads.

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-394-71876-3
Year Published: 1976
Date Finished: 3-8-2018
Pages: 305