Goddesses: 'Bold, gripping and divinely comic' T.J. Emerson

by Nina Millns

‘Exciting, contemporary, heartfelt and clever’ Greg Mosse‘Riveting, real and raw . . . a powerful journey’ Balvinder SopalThe hen party from hell descends into darkness, perfect for fans of Nikki May, Dawn O’Porter and Zakiya Dalila HarrisSome friends have your back. Some friends stab you in the back. Ayesha is just about finding her feet on the London stand-up scene, but when her response to a sexist heckler goes viral, she finds herself drawn into an exclusive group of a sacred circle of change makers, each woman with a specific gift to contribute to the cause. The circle draws in her friend Yaz too and they are both invited to an intimate hen do, except it’s not a hen do – it's a Goddess Retreat. While Ayesha, longing to find her tribe, tries desperately to fit herself into a shape that the women will accept, Yaz treats the entire ‘itinerary’ with open disdain. But the Goddess Retreat is no laughing matter. As the weekend descends into chaos, they’ll need to stick together if they want to get out alive.Goddesses is a bitingly brilliant novel that explores the power dynamics of sisterhood and activism, the dark side of white feminism and the importance of making your voice heard.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

432 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2023

Reviews

[Chloe Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing, contemporary novel that explores the power dynamics between a group of female activists who are fighting for the right for women’s voices to be heard in the fight against sexual abuse, violence and harassment against women.

The story centres around stand up comedian Ayesha, who finds herself drawn into the world of activism after a video of her shutting down a sexist heckler goes viral. Ayesha is drawn into the ‘sisterhood’ but a harmonious, supportive circle of trust it is not. The book alternates between the last few months in the run up to India’s hen do (which should not be referred to as a hen do, and is in fact a Goddess retreat), and the night of the retreat. Ayesha and her friend Yaz are invited to the retreat, along with the other members of the circle - Clemmie, Frankie, Joni, and Jessica. But what entails that night is not your typical hen do festivities but instead the culmination of months of toxicity, in the most thrilling of ways.

This book was like nothing I have ever read before. I loved that a spotlight was given to female comedians - I can’t think of another book where this has been a focus. It explored the darker side of activism, and the manipulation that can occur. It’s a very current and relevant topic, and I found it be really thought provoking. It also highlighted the very real racial divide that is still so prevalent in today’s society, when it absolutely shouldn’t be. The rawness and realness of the book was very evident, which made for a compelling read.

Things did get VERY crazy towards the end, as the women are high on some kind of substance cooked up by Clemmie, and events become out of control. I honestly did not know where things were going to go at one point! The ending was satisfying yet still frustrating - in terms of India and Clemmie’s ending (no spoilers) but it was indicative of society today, so probably the right ending in that way.

Overall, a really interesting book with so much to unpack and think about. I’d definitely like to read more by the author! Thank you to all that made it possible for me to be a part of this blog tour 😊

[B.S. Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next time someone wonders why feminism needs to be intersectional, I’m showing them this book. This is a searing exposé on the way mainstream, white feminism forgets that women of colour and other women didn’t have the same journey as them, and shows us the darker side of activism when it’s in the wrong hands. This was a blindingly impactful story that not only weaved a brilliant narrative but punched hard and landed hit after hit as we saw the machinations of manipulative people, the power of brainwashing and extremism at its most dangerous.

The way the author created this beautifully idyllic retreat and juxtaposed it with the undercurrents of fear and tension was perfect — an uncomfortably reflective parallel to a lot of things going on today and it had me wanting to take up biting my nails again because it was so damn INTENSE.

Ayesha and Yaz were absolutely amazing narrators. Their characters felt realised and fleshed out, and we get to know them and their styles right away. The first moment we meet them made them relatable; we find them in an awkward situation that just immediately made me think of all the times I’ve seriously not found myself on the same wavelength as everyone else and of course those horrific almost universal experiences of misogyny that has followed them. But as get to know them, it just makes us care and fear for them even more as this break gets worse …

We move fluidly between the present day and little snippets of the womens past with a steady, slow but easy pace that gives us little bits at a time but constantly leave us guessing. From the get go everything just feels off — these subtle moments that start a quiet, subtle nervous energy until things start to unravel and everything falls apart piece by piece.

A dark and thrilling story with a serious edge that definitely needs to be on your bookshelf.

[Catrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This debut book presents a uncomfortable story filled with unexpected twists and turns. It is described in one section as the group being the expert, voice, and survivor, relying on the trauma of others for its success.

The author adeptly explores the power dynamics within activism and white feminism. Although the blurb suggests a portrayal of sisterhood's power dynamics, I would hesitate to describe this group of women as a cohesive sisterhood. Initially, the author leads readers to believe in the existence of genuine friendship, but as the book progresses, it becomes apparent that these women have little in common beyond their shared activism. Nevertheless, the book is captivating, and I appreciated the author's narrative technique of seamlessly transitioning between the present events at the goddess retreat and the events leading up to that point, all through the perspective of Ayesha.

However, where the book falls short is in terms of genuine character development. Ayesha's ethnicity remains enigmatic for a significant portion of the story, leaving her with an ambiguous identity. The references to Grenfell also lack depth and exploration. Perhaps this reflects Ayesha's struggle to unravel her own experiences and shape her identity. While her background is pieced together, it never truly coalesces, leaving me with a desire for more knowledge by the end.

[Katie Facey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve listened to most of the book on audible but I’ve not had the motivation to listen to the rest of it. Overall it’s a great story but not something I easily could concentrate on!

[Anna Sawlani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Super captivating, I was desperate to know what had happened. Tackles a lot of difficult themes. Good characters, nicely paced, all round a great read!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this one and just starting chapter 6. I also like to listen on Audible. For me tho the reader is not drawing me in as I'd hoped. I can certainly think of someone else who, I think, would have made a far better job with the narration!
I will keep going with it.
It certainly is Bold! I enjoyed the author's radio play Delete, having now listened twice.

Finished this one.
WOW!
Was not expecting to feel my reaction to tbe Epilogue....
It floored Me 😥😯
Loved the expressive writing, drew me in Despite not be totally enamored by the narrator.

[Lisa Fleming · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nina Milln’s debut novel is a modern satire unlike anything I’ve read before. Goddesses puts under the spot light Ayesha and Jaz, women of colour making their way in London society and the male dominated comedy scene. When Ayesha’s videoed verbally ‘giving-it-to’ a male heckler, she finds herself going viral on social media. This is a turning point in her career as she becomes hot property.

Ayesha initially comes across as a character who people-pleases, as she desperately wants to escape her neighbourhood and circumstances; so when an influencer and her circle of goddesses allow her into their lavish, white activist world she does whatever it takes to fit in.

She begs Jaz her bestie to come along to a ‘hens do’ ( Goddess Retreat) for one of the inner sanctum. This is where the author leaves the world of reality and the fantasy world begins. A place full of power struggles, wacky behaviour, betrayal, unhinged, murderous females that ultimately bring out Ayesha’s strong, brave, kick ass, inner Black woman.

There are humorous elements and out right ludicrous events to chuckle at ( or roll your eyes at) depending on your take on this book.

[Kay (paperwhitepages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This debut was a bit of a thought tickler for me. It’s not like anything I’ve read before, which I appreciated! I loved that we were highlighted to the comedy scene and just how difficult it can be to break through as a female comedian.

The story flits between now and the events leading up to now, this was well written and easy to navigate as a reader. We explore some strong topics throughout the book, we hit with activism, white feminism and explore the reality of ‘friendship’ bred from a common interest.

I enjoyed some of the darker humour in this, I had characters that just rubbed me up the wrong way and some I was fully behind. We get quite twisted as the Hen progresses and there’s an element of thrill there too.

I’d have liked to explore a bit more about our MC and her background and learn the other character’s backstories a little more too, I think it would have added to the empathy I felt and the other emotions I felt as I read. From what I understand our MC experienced Grenfell and that would have been an interesting exploration.

I enjoyed this, and I’d deffo bring a penis balloon to a Hen do! ✌🏻

[Theresa Yurkewich Hoffmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings on this one - the story is unique and it definitely gets good, but I felt like it took a long time. Some of the inner monologues were driving me crazy, but overall I did enjoy it although I felt like it was easier to put down than other books.

[Stephanie Gibbons · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satire about influencers, white female privilege and feminism. Not quite sure how much I enjoyed it but continuing my dystopian female theme quite nicely.

[Bookshortie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ayesha and Yaz have been friends since they were young. But when Ayesha makes what is considered a faux pas during a stand up show and goes viral she is befriended by an activist group called The Collective. Slowly but surely both she and Yaz are drawn into the group and are then invited to the hen do of the group’s leader. But it’s not normal hen do but a Goddess Retreat. Are Ayesha and Yaz in over their heads? What is the Goddess Retreat? Ayesha and Yaz are about to find out.

When it came to writing this review I really had to think about what to write because this was such a different book and after I’d finished reading I felt like I had just come off a twisty turny rollercoaster and the world was still spinning around me. This was such a different read and at times it did feel a little odd. But the more that Ayesha and Yaz delved into The Collective the more I was transfixed.

Ayesha and Yaz are very different but they are best friends and their sisterhood binds them together that is until The Collective arrives. Ayesha is at a place in her life where one comment made during her stand up show has effectively ruined her career but what she did wasn’t as bad as it could have been because all she did was call out a sexist heckler. The novel covers quite a lot of themes. The Collective appear to be fighting for women’s right, raising awareness and making people aware of their cause but the message they give across is mixed. Although the group is called The Collective their members aren’t allowed to have their own opinion and always appear to be reading from a script or are fed what to say. When one of their group discloses publicly that she was assaulted by someone in a position of authority instead of being supported, protected and given a platform where she can talk about her experience she is effectively silenced. It was at this point that The Collective to me appeared very sinister and highlighted the darker side of activism where its members are brainwashed. Ayesha is manipulated by The Collective mentally and emotionally and when Yaz is drawn in they are both also manipulated physically. The difference between Ayesha and Yaz is that Ayesha is very quiet and is easier to manipulate. Whereas Yaz is outspoken and starts to point out what is wrong with The Collective. But at the hen do the tables turn when Yaz starts to become more involved with the group but Ayesha starts to question everything.

When Ayesha and Yaz attend the hen do I started to get a really bad feeling about the group especially when we are introduced to India and the rest of the group. There was something about them that unsettled me, their vibes were off and it started to feel more like a cult than an activist group. India seems to be the driving force behind The Collective but she appeared to want to mix women’s issues with spiritualism which didn’t seem to work. At the same time there was a lot of cultural appropriation which India tried to pass off as part of their movement but the only person that called it out for what it was was Yaz. As the story moves on things start to get more intense and the group’s true colours start to appear and I think it's at that point that I realised that the storyline was taking a completely different turn to where I thought it would go.

An intriguing and dark read.

[KathVBtn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goddesses offers a lot - challenging stereotypes and assumptions in current Western society, particularly about wellness, feminism, and skilfully spotlighting how class, gender and race infiltrate every aspect of our world, even when people think that they are actively challenging themselves. The women who populate these pages pride themselves on being activists and community champions, tearing down patriarchal barriers, but they are still as blinkered as others in a lot of ways. They are appropriating other cultures as it suits them, but using other women to further themselves, despite their rhetoric.

From the opening pages with Ayesha and Yaz approaching the Goddess retreat (definitely not the hen do that they were expecting), you can feel the awkwardness and tension that was building within the participants in the Goddess group; the objections and arguments between the members was almost painful to read.

As the retreat goes on, and the Goddess group take part in more out of body experiences, the story took an unexpected lurch as psychedelics and hallucinations kicked in, with lasting repercussions for more than a few of the members!

An interesting read that gave me lots to think about - and check out the other reviewers for their take!

[Elise ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/ 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, more so than I originally thought. The storyline is good and the characters are very well developed. So much so you can like, love or even hate some of them! Some of the plot twists I didn’t see coming, which was a nice surprise!
Aside from the good storyline and amazing characters. What impressed me the most was just how many serious topics were mentioned, and in accurate and precise details. These topics include: Activism, Feminism, Sexuality, Racism, Sexism, Cultural Appropriation, Poverty, Abuse (Sexual, Domestic and Psychological), Care Leavers and Children in Care, Slavery, Mental Illness, Murder/Manslaughter and Grenfell Tower (💚). I probably have forgotten some others that were mentioned along the way (Thanks ADHD), so this is not a full breakdown of all topics mentioned. Some topics may be triggering to some, so please take time to decide if this is suitable to your current mental health needs!

Overall I really enjoyed this amazing novel by Nina Millns, and I will look forwards to reading more of their work in the future 😊

[Erin Darwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was skeptical at first, not being a fan of the characters, but the story only becomes more impactful and engaging as it goes. Its hard not to become completely invested. Pretty brutal and tense at times, and a unique and engrossing story. As others have mentioned, definitely an interesting and intelligent criticism/ satire of white feminism.
The only thing is that the story crosses back and forth the line between shocking but realistic-feeling violence, and just a little far-fetched, and the story does become confusing at times (as I think it's meant to though, and as is fitting with the protagonist's situation, state of mind etc.) I listened to the audiobook of this too, so I imagine it could read differently in print.
Loved the story, execution could have been better but no real issues. Suspend your disbelief a little and you'll like it.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes you on such a journey, a wild ride and then a few more turns. It starts off with you getting the feel for a lovely person who is thrown into a situation where she is not offered what she deserves, purely for being a minority. She joined what appears to be an excellent activist group, one who can help her move forward. However, things are never what they appear and there is a turn. Things go awry and it starts to get a little dark in the group.
I loved the twists and turns this book gave us. It kept you on your toes and really was exciting. I loved the characters and everything they added to the storyline. This story is so good and I truly found it hard to put down.

[Lindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️🎧

When I listened to Feminism of Goddesses by Nina Millns, I was struck by how beautifully written and thought-provoking it is.

Millns dives deep into the importance of intersectionality in feminism, showing how vital it is to include diverse voices and experiences in the movement.

Without intersectionality, feminism risks becoming exclusionary, overlooking the unique struggles faced by marginalized groups.

Millns doesn’t shy away from confronting hard truths, and forces the reader to examine their own biases and perspectives.

Her ability to take such complex themes and weave them into a cohesive, engaging narrative is truly brilliant.

[Jackie Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has humour, certainly, but fails to land. My overwhelming feeling was of something shallow that doesn't dive beneath the surface and give us characters to really identify with. They remain two dimensional (even one dimensional?) so there's no one to truly root for. While presenting an interesting concept, the writer seems to have got carried away in a fantasy world that doesn't ring true. I really wanted to enjoy this and did make it to the end, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. The climax is hard to believe in and somewhat confused.

[Lou Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those that compared this to Dawn O’Porter need to check themselves. Is it funny? Yes. Do the female characters show depth beyond what’s expected of them? Yes. But that is where the comparison ends. Goddesses really went there, exactly what we need as a demonstration of intersectionality and how ‘female power’ can go too far. Raw, deep, hilarious and terrifying. Loved it!

[Alyssa Royce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling read, I couldn’t put it down. absolutely brilliant

Absolutely loved this debut from Nina Millns. It was thrilling, the story was incredible and kept me guessing all the way. The characters were fantastic and so believable. I was hooked! Couldn’t put it down.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, far fatched

This isn't my normal type of book. I enjoyed it but I feel like for me it could have been a lot better if it had been more subtle and everything wasn't taken to an unrealistic level of extreme.

[Kiara Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the dark, dystopian feel of the "Goddess Retreat" and the accurate depiction of the different forms white feminism takes and how harmful each form is to the cause.

[Bex · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Lowri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!

[Fiilthy Water · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked throughout, the book delves into interesting psychological topics such as cult mentalities, white supremacy and womanhood.

[euge · Rating 1 out of 5]

Zzzzzzzzz

[Jack Youd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book would be one thing but changed into something different. Great read.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This certainly had an interesting concept, whilst also focusing on some thought provoking, hard hitting topics.

Heckled during her stand up comic set for being rude towards a punter, Ayesha finds herself being welcomed into 'The Collective' an activist, all girl group...not quite the hen party she was expecting and definitely not the place for anything involving penises.

Switching back and forth the plot takes us on a journey leading up to the hen night and events that take place during.

It was dark, different and dangerous, and I really enjoyed it. Definitely better than I was expecting it to be.

[Samz · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: Goddesses
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: Nina Millns
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 (STAR): 4⭐️
•
‘It takes one to know one. To see the cost of living with it every day, of staying upbeat, playing at normal when you’ve experienced the darkest of humanity.’
•
𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:
This was a diversion from my usual genre, but the concept intrigued me so I decided to give it a go. And holy shit, I’m so glad I did. It was deliciously dangerous in the best way. I fucking loved this book. I devoured it cover to cover, actually. This debut novel from Nina Millns was such a captivating, real, raw, uncomfortable and thrilling read with the perfect amount of humour dispersed throughout (the willy balloon, i’m looking at you). I can honestly say I’ve never read anything quite like it.

When a video of Ayesha standing up to a sexist, racist & misogynistic heckler in her audience goes viral, it soon lands in the hands of activist Frankie Roberts. Ayesha is welcomed into the “collective”, a group of female activists who are fighting for women’s voices to be heard. I found the power dynamic between the group interesting - how everyone had their “roles”.

I loved how this book highlighted the toxic, darker side of activism, the brainwashing and manipulation - how it can easily turn into something more when it’s in the wrong hands, how it can quickly turn into extremism. I’m in awe of how this was hinted at from the start, running like an undercurrent in the pages, slowly being picked apart by each meeting and experience.

I absolutely loved how the chapters alternated between the present, India’s goddess retreat, and the run up to it - showing how each member of the collective was introduced. The narrative moved seamlessly between the two.

I really connected to both Ayesha and Yaz and was rooting for their friendship the whole way through. I loved the attention to making sure the characters were fleshed out and well developed, it made me really care what happened to them - heightening the stakes for the climax of the book.

I found it interesting how Ayesha struggled to say no to Frankie. How she always felt like she was playing catch up, having to suffer in silence regarding financial worries to appease the collective and join in with their activities, how to feel like she really belonged she had to adapt in order to fit in - including certain members of the collectives actions. I found it quite chilling, actually - the one place she was supposed to feel seen and heard was another place she didn’t really feel worthy to be.

The end caught me so off guard it’s insane. It was so twisty, so thrilling, so intense - I couldn’t put it down. This book was a masterclass on why feminism needs to be intersectional, why it’s so important to acknowledge how race, gender, class and sexuality infiltrate every part of our lives and how it’s important to spotlight that different factors come together to create an experience and a white, straight, cis woman does not share the same journey as a black, queer woman would - even with the same situation. I would class this as a book everyone should read at least once in their life and I can’t wait for more from Nina Millns!
•
‘I don’t know what I ever stood for. I just wanted someone to know what happened. To care. To be outraged. But at what cost?’

[Uzoamaka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ummmmmmm not your typical Hen Do gone wrong story but I also didn’t see where the writer was going with this book. Based around a Goddess retreat night, Ayesha and Yas find themselves in the middle of a sorority style initiation night which goes wrong with huge consequences. I was excited at the beginning with the standup gig and jokes but it quickly turned a different route to take the reader on a thrilling ride whether they wanted to or not.

[Sophie Telfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmm look I think it made excellent points on the performative nature of feminism in its simplest form. However, it felt reductionist at some points. A week more of editing and some fresh eyes could’ve boosted this to 4 stars for me