Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed

Gather the Daughters is a disturbing hypnotic novel. It can easily become a companion novel for The Handmaids Tale.

Sometime in the past, a group of men decided to colonize an island and create a new society. They built their society based on fundamental rules and limited knowledge sharing. This novel takes place generations after the founding of this new society and they still follow the fundamental rules. Only certain men, the Wanders who are descendents of the original founders, are allowed to ever leave the island. The daughters of this society are expected to marry and have children after they start their first cycle. Before their first sign of puberty, they are the property of their dads in every way.

In the summer, children who have not yet hit puberty have free reign. It is almost a Lord of the Flies feel. Everything and anything goes; children sleep outside; adults leave food on the porch but are not able to intervene or interact with the children. It is during one summer that something terrible happens. Janey Solomon, a born rebel, tries to seek the truth. She spearheads a semi-rebellion that has devastating consequences.

The story is written from alternating character viewpoints which allows for great character development. The plot is engaging, if not a bit disturbing. I would recommend this for adult or mature readers.



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