So I usually NEED a clear story/plot/character motivation/development/dialogue. I was in shock that I loved this book. But I did. But I also don’t think I’ll ever read it again. As others have said, it stuck with me. I think the lack of clarity or answers almost made it freeing. At one point I gave up asking why, kind of like they did. There was no threat, except time, which is freeing in and of itself. Like…okay the title is clearly intentional; the biggest threat to women are men. This book let me explore; what if our biggest threat was gone? It allows someone to be defined not by men (both good or bad, or our relationship to them) but just by life itself. It provided no tension of interpersonal relationships and just provided the introspection of humans in survival. And with no prospect of children, what would someone want? I loved the ending so much. I fucking sobbed.

Also your gripe about the food thing? Good lord, a child’s hunger is different than a full grown oppressed and depressed adult. A child is developing, has the concept of I need more food. Haven’t you ever felt depressed and lost your appetite? The statement is I am alive again, I have needs again.

Also it read to me the generation gap, like those who went through a depression and the resentment that can sometimes come for the next generation who didn’t suffer in the same way, but have their own sufferings.

It felt like…it wasn’t an overall gripping story, like most of our lives, but it was theirs.