Jim's Reviews > Venus Plus X

Published in 1960, I found this a far better look at gender fluidity & sexism than The Left Hand of Darkness which was published almost a decade later & gets all the love. Sturgeon contrasts the height of the 1950s "Father Knows Best" against something resembling a utopia where the inhabitants are truly androgynous. Even better, he tosses in some rather subtle, discordant notes that kept me on my toes. (view spoiler)[In one instance, boy & girl are put to bed differently causing the boy to strike out against the girl. "I don't know why he did that" is perfect. (hide spoiler)]

There's also a great thread on secrecy which runs through the entire story & leads to a wonderful conclusion. I wish there was a bit more show rather than tell. He has always tended to lecture, but I find those fascinating. His quick overview of religion & sex is absolutely wonderful.

I listened to this narrated by Stefan Rudnicki. Fantastic, as expected.