"I Who Have Never Known Men" First Impressions *No Spoilers*

[SFFBC, Ancillary Mod]

Come talk about your initial, general impressions!

Please save all discussion of particulars, details from the story, character choices, plot questions, etc. for the full spoiler thread.

Content warnings for those who want them: (view spoiler)[ death, terminal illness, suicide, imprisonment, medical treatment (hide spoiler)]

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(More about CWs here.)

[Seven]

My first impression is that the plot serves as a device to strip away all of the cultural trappings and biological pressures we so often build our identity around. What’s left is the core of what makes a person human, or perhaps what makes a woman a woman.

[Diane (I'm moving! And behind! BRB ASAP)]

I'm 54% of the way in to the audiobook and enjoying this so far. Coincidentally, another Goodreads group I belong to is also group reading this book this month. It will be interesting to me to see how similar/ different the discussions will be.

At this point in the novel, I agree with Christy C. above. This book started off feeling like a mystery to be solved, but more and more feels like an exploration of identity.

I'm enjoying it and curious to see where it leads.

[Walter]

Just started listening to the audiobook of I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman with my wife. It’s our first time experiencing a book together like this, and wow—what a start!

The first chapter pulled us in right away with its stark atmosphere and unsettling premise. We couldn’t stop talking about it afterward! The narrator's voice added so much depth to the experience. It sparked discussions about isolation, humanity, and what it means to survive in such a controlled environment.

I’m curious how others felt about the opening—did it captivate you as much as it did us?

[Diane (I'm moving! And behind! BRB ASAP)]

Walter - I listened to the audiobook too! the narrator gives an excellent performance!

I agree with you and your wife- it's a fantastic beginning- I found it hard to put down. Hope you both enjoy the rest of the story!

[Bonnie]

I read this a couple month ago. It pulled me in right away, so mysterious and strange and gripping.

[Walter]

Just finished the second chapter of I Who Have Never Known Men with my wife. We’re both hooked but still completely in the dark about why they’re in the bunker! It’s such a mysterious and unsettling story so far, and we’re loving the slow unraveling of the plot. Anyone else feel the same confusion at this point?

Hi Diane! Totally agree—the narrator’s performance is amazing! Their voice adds so much depth to the story, making the bunker’s atmosphere feel even more eerie and claustrophobic. Did you have a favorite part of their narration?

[Cheryl L]

Bonnie wrote: "I read this a couple month ago. It pulled me in right away, so mysterious and strange and gripping."

Perfectly put, Bonnie.

I didn't think this was going to be a book for me so I went the easy path of audio instead of eye read. I was sucked right in in the first few minutes of chapter 1. I do seem to like books in which I have no idea what's going on.

[Mareike]

Listened to the first chapter tonight and I'm excited to see where this goes.

[Melanie, the neutral party]

I finally started this one. I was hesitating because I was concerned it would be too heavy, but it's not as bad as I was anticipating. It is giving me a lot of The Maze Runner vibes. Isolation and social dynamics and all that.

[Walter]

Just finished the book—hope you enjoy listening to it, Mareike! We certainly did. It was a fascinating and thought-provoking experience.