The Quickening cover art

The Quickening

a brilliant, subversive and unexpected dystopia for fans of Vox and The Handmaid's Tale

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The Quickening

Written by: Talulah Riley
Narrated by: Debbie Korley, Matt Bates
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About this listen

The Quickening is a bold and shocking novel set in a near-future Britain, about gender, power and betrayal.

'Does the world seem right, to you?'

Years ago, Dana Mayer had a vision of a better world: one where women are in charge. Now her manifesto, The Quickening, has established the rules for a new order, designed to elevate and protect women. A genteel and peaceful society that prioritises nature, good manners and aesthetics. Of course, in order for women to maintain control, the freedoms of men have been necessarily limited.

Arthur Alden loves Dana Mayer but hates the world she has created. But can he find a way to resist, without losing everything? And with Dana intent on making men pay reparations for their past crimes, can Arthur be allowed to live without punishment?

(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2022 Talulah Riley
Dystopian Gender Issues Science Fiction Social Sciences Women's Fiction

Critic Reviews

For fans of The Handmaid's Tale, this is a must
No matter how often you've fantasised of a world ruled by women, this will put fear in your heart!
A daring, dystopian tale
The rarest of all literary beasts
Riley is obviously super smart and has an old-fashioned, modernist sort of style that makes you think. I loved it.
Praise for Acts of Love
'Talulah Riley is an absolute force of nature. As is her lead character. Read and revel'
A bold story of love and deception, with a fascinating main character
A refreshing love story about the importance of independence and destiny
A fluid and engaging love story with a truly unique heroine
The provocative novel by Riley . . . imagines a future in which women dominate and men are enslaved and emasculated
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