Glorious Angels (23/03/2015)
A few days ago I read that an author acquiantance had “finished plotting out his feminist epic fantasy” or something like that. I find myself raising an eyebrow when men call themselves feminists – unfortunately I’ve come across a few who say that when what they actually mean is that they support the status quo and aren’t actively trying to push women back into the dark ages. Which, guys, isn’t quite the same thing.
But anyway, in this case I’m inclined to think the intent was pure enough, but it still left me with a frowny face of something being out of whack. Why is a man writing a feminist fantasy? It seems wrong to me. Isn’t that a contradiction? I don’t have strong opinion on this so by all means share an alternative point of view, but I felt it was somewhat patronising – as a man, if I did that, aren’t I effectively stepping in to do feminism for you when actually my place, if I want to support, is to stand in the background and cheer? Seems to me that as a male writer the thing to do is portray all characters, irrespective or gender, race, sexuality, anything else, with equal passion, care, respect and agency. And in SFF choose a setting that supports that ideal?
In the spirit of that thought, this week’s giveaway is Glorious Angels by Justina Robson, a “groundbreaking new novel from one of the genre’s most respected authors: a thrilling mix of science, magic and sexual politics.”
Usual deal – comment on this post in some way before Sunday 30th March and I’ll randomly select a lucky victim for a free copy. No one has complained (so far) about how long it takes me to get to the post office and post things, but it can take a while and if you live abroad then it can take even longer. Sorry about that, but they do get there eventually. Well, so far. Am currently up to date with posting things.
There’s also an interesting article about cover art here, from Orbit’s art director.
March 23rd, 2015 at 10: 40 am
/me raises hand. Please sir, may I have one?
March 23rd, 2015 at 2: 47 pm
Looks interesting.
I’m trying not to buy more books until I’ve caught up on my backlog a bit, but winning them is OK, right?
March 23rd, 2015 at 11: 47 pm
I’d love to win! Thanks for the giveaway.
March 24th, 2015 at 12: 47 am
So, you’re saying a man writing feminist fantasy might be taking “writing the other” a bridge too far? I’m torn between thinking a person should write what s/he wants – let others judge whether it’s worth reading – and thinking maybe it’s all an attempt at marketing/promotion. Oh, I know, I’ll call myself a feminist and women will buy my book. Wait. Those 2 don’t quite balance. But now I’m thinking. I may come back here later.
March 24th, 2015 at 3: 55 pm
It does seem odd whenever a man claims to be a feminist in one’s writing, but some people do it well. Sadly they are far and few between. Being male I admit it does weird me when a guy claims to be a feminist. Perhaps it is our instinct of something being off, Mr. Deas
March 25th, 2015 at 8: 52 am
I’d love a copy of this.
March 25th, 2015 at 8: 55 am
Have to agree with you “portray all characters, irrespective or gender, race, sexuality, anything else, with equal passion, care, respect and agency.” As in real life as well.
March 25th, 2015 at 11: 19 am
I have this on my “To Buy” list, but a freebie would be welcome
And there are some male authors out there who can truly write a good female character (not mentioning names so no one need be jealous) 
March 26th, 2015 at 6: 45 pm
Honor Harrington from David Webber’s Space Opera series Honor Harrington is a fantastic example of a good female character.
Of course there is also Queen Zafir from memory of flames!
March 26th, 2015 at 10: 33 pm
This book sounds really interesting, I’d love to see what it’s like
March 27th, 2015 at 12: 24 am
I’ve loved Robson’s work since Living Next Door to the God of Love. Amazing writer. About feminism and “writing feminist”, I would love to be criticized for doing it, but would never claim having done it, or owned it as a goal. Treat your characters with all the justice you can manage. Everything else is just funny hats and marketing labels.
March 29th, 2015 at 7: 54 pm
Tom da winnah!