45 pages • 1 hour read
Marge PiercyWoman on the Edge of Time
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Woman on the Edge of Time follows Connie Ramos, an impoverished Mexican American woman in the 1970s who, after being unjustly committed to a psychiatric hospital, is visited by a time traveler from a utopian future. The novel alternates between Connie's struggles in the hospital and her visits to the future society of Mattapoisett, which embodies feminist and ecological ideals. The book discusses racism, sexual violence, addiction, and medical abuse, among other sensitive topics.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Marge Piercy's Woman on the Edge of Time is widely praised for its imaginative vision and feminist themes. Critics appreciate its complex narrative and bold exploration of social issues. Some, however, find its characters underdeveloped and the plot occasionally hard to follow. Overall, it's a thought-provoking, if sometimes challenging, read.
Who Should Read Woman on the Edge of Time?
Fans of speculative and feminist literature will appreciate Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy. Comparable to Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, it appeals to readers who enjoy exploring societal issues through dystopian and utopian narratives. Ideal for those interested in social justice, gender studies, and the transformative power of imagination.