Godmother Night and Temporary Agency, by Rachel Pollack
These novels are some of my first deliveries on a promise to see more feminist science fiction in Audible. I couldn’t be more proud.
Rachel Pollack's novels came into our library as a result fan requests; it's so rewarding to come through on a "secret book" a reader asked for.
“Pollack's fairy-tale plot is resourceful and original, but here, she portrays women's intimate relationships with one another with resonance and realism. Another fine outing by one of the most gifted and sensitive fantasists working today.”
--Publisher’s Weekly
On a world that floats on the back of a turtle, two lesbian lovers are introduced and aided by the mysterious, flaming haired, motorcycle-riding Mother Night— whose appearances are marked by death. But a bargain with a goddess... will never be without a price.
The world of Godmother Night resembles our own, but in their world, magic is real and present, and not always safe. I hear notes of Greek mythology, Native American folk tales, and Wicca in Pollack’s fairy tale. At the heart of this book is a love story and an allegory about recognizing one’s true self.
I got carried away with her two lovers as they found each other, and gasped as the story turned its surreal corners. Yes, it's that good.
Godmother Night won the World Fantasy Award for "Best Novel."
Narrated By Coleen Marlo who you may remember from Lionel Shriver's We Need to Talk About Kevin: A Novel.
“Pollack is primarily concerned the emotional underpinnings of the people in her future society— and, by extension— in our own. The two novellas combine into a rational framework while never forgetting that the key to good fiction is people and what happens to them.”
—Publisher’s Weekly
In this techno-Pagan world, there are malignant spirits who take human form, and ordinary people who access pagan magic. Our heroine must help her cousin, who has upset a "Malignant One," while falling in love with an investigator specializing in demonic possession.
Love story? Check. Battle between good and evil? Absolutely.
Temporary Agency was shortlisted for the Nebula Award from the Science Fiction Writers of America.
Narrated By Allyson Ryan who read Elizabeth Gilbert's Stern Men.
--Willow Pennell
