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Cover of The Female of the Species

The Female of the Species

Lionel Shriver (1987)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads3.56

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageModerate

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Protagonist archetypes

Multiple POVs

Tropes

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Synopsis

Still unattached and childless at fifty-nine, world-renowned anthropologist Gray Kaiser is seemingly invincible-and untouchable. Returning to make a documentary at the site of her first great triumph in Kenya, she is accompanied by her faithful middle-aged assistant, Errol McEchern, who has loved her for years in silence. When sexy young graduate assistant Raphael Sarasola arrives on the scene, Gray is captivated and falls hopelessly in love-before an amazed and injured Errol's eyes. As he follows the progress of their affair with jealous fascination, Errol watches helplessly from the sidelines as a proud and fierce woman is reduced to miserable dependence through subtle, cruel, and calculating manipulation.

Tags

Literary FictionContemporary FictionPsychological Drama