The Power- Naomi Alderman
‘The Power’ is a feminist science fiction, whose plot follows multiple characters, whose lives all
eventually converge due to the emerging phenomenon of young women’s ability to electrocute
people with their bare hands.
For the first time in this hypothetical future, women are becoming more physically dominant than
men- which makes for a brilliant exploration of gendered power imbalance by Alderman. It’s also a
violent and gripping novel, that is certainly a step-up from other dystopian novels which seem
wholesome in comparison.
Don’t read this novel if; you’re a meninist. Do read it if; you ever read The Handmaid’s Tale and are
looking for something very similar.
Everywoman- Jess Phillips
‘Everywoman’ is a political memoir written by Jess Phillips; a straight-talking Labour MP who had a very
different upbringing to most politicians in Westminster. The book is accompanied by the strapline “one
woman’s truth about speaking the truth”- which is apt because since working in Women’s Aid, Jess Phillips
has always been the kind of MP to should loud about issues such as domestic violence and women’s
rights. What makes the book funny and readable, is its countless tales of her unorthodox upbringing, how
she unintentionally became a young mother, and how she even had the experience on living on benefits
for a time.
Although you might not agree with everything Philips says, her book is definitely a must-read, as it is
revolutionary in its ability to be simultaneously political and uplifting.
Your Life in My Hands- Rachel Clarke
Recently released non-fiction about the state of the NHS, and an honest and well written account of
what it’s like to be a doctor in these turbulent political times. It’s written by Rachel Clarke, who is a
journalist turned doctor, and was a prominent figurehead and twitter influencer during the junior
doctor strikes. Probably something you would have read to put in your personal statement, which is
not to say you shouldn’t read it now as it’s never too late to be informed about the job you’re going
into in just a few years’ time.
Don’t read this if; your dedication to continuing this medical degree is already dwindling. Do read if;
you enjoyed any of the junior doctor documentaries on tv lately, or you want to know what on earth
actually went down during the junior doctor’s strikes.