Massachusetts based author and blogger, Lisa Kramer has put out a book that boldly seeks a feminist call to action by asking the question, "What would happen if women and girls joined their unique abilities to change the world?" Part dystopian fiction, part feminist manifesto, P.O.W.E.R is an extraordinary example of modern storytelling.
The novel centers around a young woman named Andra who has the unique ability to read and write in a world where literacy can mark a female for execution. Women have two options in life; they can either be homemakers or they can work for a government run training camp that corrects female behaviors that threaten the patriarchal order. Andra discovers that she can write events to life and with the help of her friends she audaciously sets in motion plans to bring down the oppressive regime that governs every aspect of her life.
At first glance it might be tempting to compare this captivating story to the Hunger Games or Divergent, but in truth this story is more closely related to the real life struggles of the feminist activist, Malala Yousafzai a young girl from Afghanistan who after being shot by the Taliban for her efforts to expand education for girls went on to become the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace prize. While the characters and plot are not parallel to Malala's story the central theme of girls realizing their powers and fearlessly using them in the face of perilous danger is a striking reminder for Kramer's audience to reconsider core feminist values of equality.
P.O.W.E.R is beautifully written with well-developed characters that manage to appeal to the reader's feelings of empathy, compassion, rage, and self-reflection. Kramer is undoubtedly a talented wordsmith. Here's hoping she has more stories up her sleeve!