It’s the year 2205 and women of Earth are once again property. Two women, Nazareth and Michaela – one a brilliant linguist, the other a rebel servant – are destined to challenge the power of men. Rich in wry wit, fierce intellect, and faith in the subversive power of language, Native Tongue is a feminist science fiction classic. Native Tongue offers new words for concepts that don’t exist in patriarchal languages, such as radíidin: non-holiday, a time allegedly a holiday but actually so much a burden because of work and preparations that it is a dreaded occasion; especially when there are too many guests and none of them help.
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‘Elgin’s novel will inspire those who believe that women’s words can change the world. Read it!’
Maureen S. Barr, Editor of Future Females, the Next Generation
'Less well known than The Handmaid’s Tale but just as apocalyptic in [its] vision ... Native Tongue records female tribulation in a world where … women have no public rights at all. Elgin’s heroines do, however, have one set of weapons – words of their own.'
Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar, New York Times Book Review
‘I urge [Native Tongue] upon you … she understands that until women find the words and syntax for what they need to say, they will never say it, nor will the world hear it … the story is absolutely compelling’
