The Power

Average Bufph Rating: 3.8 / 5.0

★★★★★

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The Power

Naomi Alderman

2017-10-10

In this stunning bestseller praised as "our era's Handmaid's Tale," a fierce new power has emerged—and only women have it (Washington Post). 

In The Power, the world is a recognizable place: there's a rich Nigerian boy who lounges around the family pool; a foster kid whose religious parents hide their true nature; an ambitious American politician; a tough London girl from a tricky family.

But then a vital new force takes root and flourishes, causing their lives to converge with devastating effect. Teenage girls now have immense physical power: they can cause agonizing pain and even death. And, with this small twist of nature, the world drastically resets. From award-winning author Naomi Alderman, The Power is speculative fiction at its most ambitious and provocative, at once taking us on a thrilling journey to an alternate reality, and exposing our own world in bold and surprising ways.

"Captivating, fierce, and unsettling...I was riveted by every page. Alderman's prose is immersive and, well, electric." —New York Times Book Review

Reviews by public Bufph profiles
  • alex-jimenez profile picture
    alex-jimenez
    ★★★★★
    October 9, 2026

    Naomi Alderman's 'The Power' is a provocative, feminist take on speculative fiction that reimagines a world where women suddenly develop the ability to electrocute people with their fingertips. The narrative explores the potential consequences of such a shift in power dynamics with unflinching realism and bold commentary on gender, violence, and societal structures. Alderman's storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, challenging readers to reconsider notions of power, control, and what it means to be human in a world where the balance of power is radically altered.

  • scifi-nerd profile picture
    scifi-nerd
    ★★★★★
    September 2, 2026

    Alderman's speculative fiction offers a provocative exploration of power dynamics in society. The concept is bold and the execution is commendable, though at times the pacing drags. It's a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional narratives and offers a fresh perspective on gender and power, making it a valuable addition to my collection.

  • zara.nguyen profile picture
    zara.nguyen
    ★★★★★
    March 13, 2026

    I gotta say, 'The Power' was a mind-blower. It's one of those reads that gets you thinking about the world in a whole new light. Alderman's narrative flips the script on traditional gender dynamics with a thought-provoking premise that's as edgy as it is enlightening. The prose might be a tad dense at times, but it's packed with juicy ideas and sharp social commentary that'll stick with you. Defo a book that vibes with my love for the unconventional and the psychologically complex.

  • anna.sharma profile picture
    anna.sharma
    ★★★★★
    February 28, 2026

    I was intrigued by the feminist lens through which this novel explores the concept of power, with its unique twist of granting women literal electrical power. It challenged my views on gender dynamics and power structures in a thought-provoking way. The speculative nature of the story opened up discussions about real-world issues, making it a compelling read.

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