A review by daytimebelle
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

I Who Have Never Known Men is a book that creeps under the skin and stays there. It's a haunting, short story that leaves more questions than answers, and yet, it's incredibly powerful in its simplicity.

The story revolves around an unnamed girl, one of forty women held captive in an underground bunker. Stripped of their past lives, identities, and even the hope of escape, these women face an existence devoid of freedom and purpose. 

As the sole girl among the women, the protagonist's perspective offers a raw and unfiltered look at life, untainted by societal expectations or preconceived notions of womanhood. Her perspective is unique and fresh, giving readers a glimpse into what it means to build one's identity without the societal constructs we often take for granted. It challenges us to think about how much of who we are is shaped by external influences versus our innate selves.

Throughout the book, there’s a constant feeling of unease—I was always on edge, wondering about the next revelation or lack thereof. The book doesn't spoon-feed answers, and many questions remain unanswered, which might frustrate some readers but is, in fact, one of its greatest strengths. It makes one think, reflect, and even feel a bit lost—much like the characters themselves.

This is not a book you read for entertainment. This is a woman’s journey of self-discovery, unlearning, and relearning what it means to be human in a world that has denied her the basics of human experience.