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The Female of the Species
Gray Kaiser, a proud and fierce fifty-nine-year-old anthropologist, journeys to Kenya to make a documentary and is reduced to a state of miserable dependence when she falls in love with a young graduate assistant
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1987
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1012 people want to read
About the author
Lionel Shriver
56 books4,591 followersLionel Shriver's novels include the New York Times bestseller The Post-Birthday World and the international bestseller We Need to Talk About Kevin, which won the 2005 Orange Prize and has now sold over a million copies worldwide. Earlier books include Double Fault, A Perfectly Good Family, and Checker and the Derailleurs. Her novels have been translated into twenty-five languages. Her journalism has appeared in the Guardian, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. She lives in London and Brooklyn, New York.
Author photo copyright Jerry Bauer, courtesy of Harper Collins.
Author photo copyright Jerry Bauer, courtesy of Harper Collins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 6, 2023
This is a book about the power and influence, the kind of power that some people have to appear suddenly, change your life profoundly and then disappear. Some people for whatever reason, are so intoxicatingly charming, you even if you realize you are becoming influenced by them, you will let it happen.
This book revolves around a 3 person conflict, with Gray, a middle aged anthropology professor, Errol, her devoted assistant, and Raphael, a charismatic PhD student who is (probably) a sociopath. What makes this book so interesting is that while you see Gray's and Errol's thoughts and motives, Raphael's inner self remains a mystery. You never get his perspective on the plot points. All you know about him is how other people see him. As a reader, you see that he is like a mirage, in that all the characters around him all see something different when they look at him.
Errol is immediately suspicious and distrustful of him. However Gray is immediately captivated and swept away by him. Is Raphael really a sociopath? Maybe. It depends on who you ask.
Even though I never saw Raphael's inner thoughts, I find him relatable. The way people respond to him and he just watches, lets them think what they think. He doesn't confirm or deny anything. He knows he has an effect on people. He doesn't flaunt it, but he doesn't hide it either. It reminds you how much social interactions are not about receiving objective information about someone, but about subjective interpretation and building our own subjective mental models.
I like the portrayal of covert (maybe even unintentional) influence. Sometimes we influence people. Sometimes they are influenced by us. Sometimes we see that someone is influencing us and we let it happen. Sometimes we see someone is being influenced by us and we lean into it. (Like the Eurythmics song, "someone of them want to use you, some of them want to be used by you.") Sometimes people want to be influenced by me and I see that, and I let it happen, and I enjoy it. I understand Raphael and his choice to neither confirm nor deny people's mirages.
As a reader I don't think Raphael is just a influential anthropologist. I think he's probably a sociopath, since he seems to intentionally manipulate Gray to give him what he wants: a research grant. Of course, this is up for interpretation. The way Lionel Shriver writes sociopaths is really well done, it's subtle and builds on a collection of small moments that eventually get you to think... something is off about this character. It's not overt, it's a covert display of sociopathy, which is closer to reality. Most sociopaths blend in, and most are seen as charming and attractive. Her book
We Need to Talk About Kevin is also a great portrayal of this.
So Raphael uses his influence, but Gray also lets him influence her. He reminds her of her long-dead friend (who she perhaps loved?). That kind of deep longing for the past makes it easy for Raphael to take advantage of her. He can embody the role of her dead friend and Gray will suspend her disbelief and get intoxicated off the illusion that she is reliving the past.
It's understandable. It's part of human fallibility. Knowing how to have influence over others is recognizing that fallibility and knowing how to utilize it. That's what this book is about. The process of Raphael's influence and the unravelling of Gray's defenses. Very satisfying to read, and written vividly.
This book revolves around a 3 person conflict, with Gray, a middle aged anthropology professor, Errol, her devoted assistant, and Raphael, a charismatic PhD student who is (probably) a sociopath. What makes this book so interesting is that while you see Gray's and Errol's thoughts and motives, Raphael's inner self remains a mystery. You never get his perspective on the plot points. All you know about him is how other people see him. As a reader, you see that he is like a mirage, in that all the characters around him all see something different when they look at him.
Errol is immediately suspicious and distrustful of him. However Gray is immediately captivated and swept away by him. Is Raphael really a sociopath? Maybe. It depends on who you ask.
Even though I never saw Raphael's inner thoughts, I find him relatable. The way people respond to him and he just watches, lets them think what they think. He doesn't confirm or deny anything. He knows he has an effect on people. He doesn't flaunt it, but he doesn't hide it either. It reminds you how much social interactions are not about receiving objective information about someone, but about subjective interpretation and building our own subjective mental models.
I like the portrayal of covert (maybe even unintentional) influence. Sometimes we influence people. Sometimes they are influenced by us. Sometimes we see that someone is influencing us and we let it happen. Sometimes we see someone is being influenced by us and we lean into it. (Like the Eurythmics song, "someone of them want to use you, some of them want to be used by you.") Sometimes people want to be influenced by me and I see that, and I let it happen, and I enjoy it. I understand Raphael and his choice to neither confirm nor deny people's mirages.
As a reader I don't think Raphael is just a influential anthropologist. I think he's probably a sociopath, since he seems to intentionally manipulate Gray to give him what he wants: a research grant. Of course, this is up for interpretation. The way Lionel Shriver writes sociopaths is really well done, it's subtle and builds on a collection of small moments that eventually get you to think... something is off about this character. It's not overt, it's a covert display of sociopathy, which is closer to reality. Most sociopaths blend in, and most are seen as charming and attractive. Her book
We Need to Talk About Kevin is also a great portrayal of this.
So Raphael uses his influence, but Gray also lets him influence her. He reminds her of her long-dead friend (who she perhaps loved?). That kind of deep longing for the past makes it easy for Raphael to take advantage of her. He can embody the role of her dead friend and Gray will suspend her disbelief and get intoxicated off the illusion that she is reliving the past.
It's understandable. It's part of human fallibility. Knowing how to have influence over others is recognizing that fallibility and knowing how to utilize it. That's what this book is about. The process of Raphael's influence and the unravelling of Gray's defenses. Very satisfying to read, and written vividly.
June 26, 2016
Shriver's debut novel is sometimes dragging a bit, but you can already see the witty and sharp-penned author she will become. And the view on antropology: it would be funny, if it wasn't so true....
February 21, 2016
Lionel Shriver is one of my favorite authors. Interestingly, that really depends on which book of hers. "The Lost Republic", "Game Control" were two that I could not get into, almost hating that they were by her because I felt obligated to finish them. I suppose it makes sense, since they were about topics I have little interest in and could not relate to whatsoever. "The Female of the Species" is by far the worst Shriver book I have read. Which is now.
The main themes I could identify were Anthropology, academia, unrequited love, research, and Africa (which Shriver is slightly obsessed with; she spent a few years there).
The only aspect I had any interest in reading was Raphael's womanizing, cruelty, and downright appalling character. (Meeting his past lovers which were numerous and his neglected son only made matters worse.) And how he manipulated Gray, a lifelong adamant independent woman, into becoming his emotional slave. Gray has always been devoted to her work, never changing gears, even for romance. Now that Rafael has come on to the scene, she decides to sacrifice the research trip that she has been pining for- for years. Why? Because he doesn't want to go, so she wants to stay.
I say interest in reading, but that does not necessarily equate to wanting to read it, nor liking to read it. Her succumb to such a man was nothing short of maddening. She finds out he is taking advantage of her, manipulating her simply to throw her away; yet she continues in a same way, willingly giving him everything he wants.
Errol, her assistant for more than twenty five years is of course in love with her- since twenty five years ago. Like she to Raphael, Errol dotes endlessly on her, despite knowing and forced to accept that she will never care for him in the same way. Now, this young, good looking Raphael, who treats her so poorly and is objectively an evil person, comes onto the scene, and she falls for him instantly. Imagine how this wrenched at his heart. Yet nothing changed. Thus, he is arguably as much of a slave as Grey. But at least he is doing it for a good woman.
All this does is make all the characters frustrating to no end. Even the good ones. And the ending? Hopelessly infuriating.
The main themes I could identify were Anthropology, academia, unrequited love, research, and Africa (which Shriver is slightly obsessed with; she spent a few years there).
The only aspect I had any interest in reading was Raphael's womanizing, cruelty, and downright appalling character. (Meeting his past lovers which were numerous and his neglected son only made matters worse.) And how he manipulated Gray, a lifelong adamant independent woman, into becoming his emotional slave. Gray has always been devoted to her work, never changing gears, even for romance. Now that Rafael has come on to the scene, she decides to sacrifice the research trip that she has been pining for- for years. Why? Because he doesn't want to go, so she wants to stay.
I say interest in reading, but that does not necessarily equate to wanting to read it, nor liking to read it. Her succumb to such a man was nothing short of maddening. She finds out he is taking advantage of her, manipulating her simply to throw her away; yet she continues in a same way, willingly giving him everything he wants.
Errol, her assistant for more than twenty five years is of course in love with her- since twenty five years ago. Like she to Raphael, Errol dotes endlessly on her, despite knowing and forced to accept that she will never care for him in the same way. Now, this young, good looking Raphael, who treats her so poorly and is objectively an evil person, comes onto the scene, and she falls for him instantly. Imagine how this wrenched at his heart. Yet nothing changed. Thus, he is arguably as much of a slave as Grey. But at least he is doing it for a good woman.
All this does is make all the characters frustrating to no end. Even the good ones. And the ending? Hopelessly infuriating.
July 31, 2011
I'll read anything by Lionel Shriver. This was her first novel, and not as finely etched as her later works, but nonetheless, quite a rewarding read. All of her novels feature extremely strong female protagonists, and Gray Kaiser, the world-renowned anthropologist in this book, is no exception. In many ways, you feel like you're studying Gray Kaiser the way she studies her subjects. Shriver leaves you with pretty ambivalent feelings about her character by the end of the novel. In Kaiser's shoes, what choices would be the right ones? Hard to say.
August 1, 2011
This was a great vacation read. A fascinating look at the sexuality of an independent, older woman and her life choices. Very interesting alpha/beta male dynamics here. Great characters. I look forward to reading more Lionel Shriver.
July 5, 2011
She's SUCH a good writer. Read it in two days, sitting on a sunny dock, looking out at a beautiful lake. Pretty perfect :)
November 26, 2015
Really strong 3*. Nowhere near as heavily pessimistic as many of the books that followed. I think after Checker and the Derailleurs she became bitter about poor sales etc.
There's real joy of language here, as Shriver herself observes in the 2015 essay accompanying this re-issue. But she also says she hasn't read it since 1986, and those that re-read their own work need to get a life. Uh, don't those who never read their books also need to get a life? For whose enjoyment did you choose that career? Neither exclusively the audience nor exclusively yourself, you know?
It's been educational charting the trajectory of Shriver's writing and her opinion of it. Though her life lessons in her essays at the end of each book don't ring true to me at all. They're so harsh. But again, I see videos of her talks and interviews and she laughs more when she speaks than she's able to conjure with words. Because she guards herself so closely. Her writing gives me the impression that she doesn't think life is supposed to be very fun or rewarding. I agree that character building is a great benefit of failure but it's also just a compensation for shit gone unexpectedly. If you are living a content life, I don't think that makes you a weak idiot: it's the goal. When do you stop building character and start enjoying life? There's no answer to that question but I occupy an entirely different region of the spectrum from Lionel Shriver.
Her novels act as a wonderful truth-based dampener when you live in cultures that don't like to talk. Then where else better to read Shriver than Norway?
I likely have more to say but I need more time to think...
There's real joy of language here, as Shriver herself observes in the 2015 essay accompanying this re-issue. But she also says she hasn't read it since 1986, and those that re-read their own work need to get a life. Uh, don't those who never read their books also need to get a life? For whose enjoyment did you choose that career? Neither exclusively the audience nor exclusively yourself, you know?
It's been educational charting the trajectory of Shriver's writing and her opinion of it. Though her life lessons in her essays at the end of each book don't ring true to me at all. They're so harsh. But again, I see videos of her talks and interviews and she laughs more when she speaks than she's able to conjure with words. Because she guards herself so closely. Her writing gives me the impression that she doesn't think life is supposed to be very fun or rewarding. I agree that character building is a great benefit of failure but it's also just a compensation for shit gone unexpectedly. If you are living a content life, I don't think that makes you a weak idiot: it's the goal. When do you stop building character and start enjoying life? There's no answer to that question but I occupy an entirely different region of the spectrum from Lionel Shriver.
Her novels act as a wonderful truth-based dampener when you live in cultures that don't like to talk. Then where else better to read Shriver than Norway?
I likely have more to say but I need more time to think...
July 4, 2018
Gray Kaiser is a middle aged, famous Anthropologist doing a documentary in Kenya. She falls hopelessly in love with a young grad assistant called Raphael. Raphael subtly and cruelly manipulates her and reduces her to a gibbering dependence upon him. Her assistant Errol, madly in love with her, is devastated and engages in elaborate fantasies about them.
This is a fable like, almost apocryphal book that is very well written and engages the reader from the outset.
This is a fable like, almost apocryphal book that is very well written and engages the reader from the outset.
January 29, 2023
It was interesting to read Lionel Shriver's first novel. The book has really interesting characters, and to anthropology plot is also exciting.
September 13, 2020
Really a 3.5. Readable. Well-developed characters
July 14, 2020
The title of this novel is accusatory, as I half expected it to be. All the ways in which we are weaker and softer and needier are portrayed here. And yet, if you dissect this enough, you can see that the male of the species is also imperfectly delicate in ways they too are not proud of. We balance each other out, at times, and Lionel Shriver has yet again, exposed the core of our humanity.
June 23, 2019
I love Lionel Shriver's writing and it was strong here, even though it was her first novel. I found the story a bit slow but just when I would start to contemplate packing it in, there would be just enough of a hook to draw me back in. At the end of the novel, I could quite decide if I liked the booked or didn't like the book. I think mostly I just felt sad for the characters and all of their lost opportunities at life and happiness.
March 20, 2018
Ever since I read We Need To Talk About Kevin I've considered myself a huge fan of Lionel Shriver, even though it was the only novel of hers that I had read. I just loved the novel so much that I imagined some day reading the rest of her work and, if not loving it as much, at least immensely enjoy her particular style.
I've now finally read another novel by her, The Female of the Species, and I honestly feel a bit conflicted. Despite the decision to wait several months to be able to form a more clear opinion, I'm still not sure. Did I like it? Didn't I? Usually I am left with a feeling or liking or not liking, but not this time. It felt as if I changed my mind depending on which sentence I read, on how the particular exchange ended between the characters, or how Shriver decided to describe someone. I never really felt comfortable while reading it, since I might just start really loving the novel before suddenly taking a mental step back.
I believe that the story could have been so much stronger if it had not dwelled so much on the young man, and love interest, Raphael. I couldn't get enough of Gray Kaiser, who was amazing, and I would have liked for her to stand out even more. Rapahel was appreciated as a catalyst but I'm honestly a bit saddened that he couldn't just play his part and not take up the space that should have been Kaiser's.
It made me realise the strength of Eva in We Need to Talk About Kevin even more. We got such focus on her, and she was never not interesting. Kevin was always present, but the story never left Eva to let Kevin take the front seat (not even during his most dramatic actions). Perhaps Shriver trusted more in Eva, that she could hold our attention, without an outside narrator constantly describing how haggard or suddenly young looking she seemed (Errol, the narrator, was simply obsessed with Kaiser's appearance which grew a bit tiresome the longer it continued - it's his fault we even got such a large serving of Raphael).
Despite not being completely able to give a thumbs up I do enjoy how Shriver writes, and the compelling characters she creates. I'll try not to wait as long until I read her other novels.
I've now finally read another novel by her, The Female of the Species, and I honestly feel a bit conflicted. Despite the decision to wait several months to be able to form a more clear opinion, I'm still not sure. Did I like it? Didn't I? Usually I am left with a feeling or liking or not liking, but not this time. It felt as if I changed my mind depending on which sentence I read, on how the particular exchange ended between the characters, or how Shriver decided to describe someone. I never really felt comfortable while reading it, since I might just start really loving the novel before suddenly taking a mental step back.
I believe that the story could have been so much stronger if it had not dwelled so much on the young man, and love interest, Raphael. I couldn't get enough of Gray Kaiser, who was amazing, and I would have liked for her to stand out even more. Rapahel was appreciated as a catalyst but I'm honestly a bit saddened that he couldn't just play his part and not take up the space that should have been Kaiser's.
It made me realise the strength of Eva in We Need to Talk About Kevin even more. We got such focus on her, and she was never not interesting. Kevin was always present, but the story never left Eva to let Kevin take the front seat (not even during his most dramatic actions). Perhaps Shriver trusted more in Eva, that she could hold our attention, without an outside narrator constantly describing how haggard or suddenly young looking she seemed (Errol, the narrator, was simply obsessed with Kaiser's appearance which grew a bit tiresome the longer it continued - it's his fault we even got such a large serving of Raphael).
Despite not being completely able to give a thumbs up I do enjoy how Shriver writes, and the compelling characters she creates. I'll try not to wait as long until I read her other novels.
January 24, 2021
I keep picking up Lionel Shriver books because I enjoyed We Need to Talk About Kevin so much and I keep hoping to find something else like that. But so far everything else of hers that I've read has been disappointing.
This started out really well - the stuff about Charles Corgie and the Il-Ororen was GRIPPING! But then it all fizzled into a boring love triangle between Gray 'cougar' Kaiser, Raphael 'sexy badboi' Sarasola, and Erroll 'sad friendzone' McEchern that dragged on for the rest of the book. I could see exactly what was going to happen so I skimmed to the end and was not surprised at all.
It was clear the author adored Gray and expected the reader to sympathise with her but I didn't like her at all. I thought she was self-absorbed, unkind to people, and an actual nitwit. Everyone was like 'ummm he's 25 and you're SIXTY, don't you think maybe, JUST MAYBE, he's got ulterior motives....??' but she was in total denial and apparently believed it was all down to her looks & charm.
This started out really well - the stuff about Charles Corgie and the Il-Ororen was GRIPPING! But then it all fizzled into a boring love triangle between Gray 'cougar' Kaiser, Raphael 'sexy badboi' Sarasola, and Erroll 'sad friendzone' McEchern that dragged on for the rest of the book. I could see exactly what was going to happen so I skimmed to the end and was not surprised at all.
It was clear the author adored Gray and expected the reader to sympathise with her but I didn't like her at all. I thought she was self-absorbed, unkind to people, and an actual nitwit. Everyone was like 'ummm he's 25 and you're SIXTY, don't you think maybe, JUST MAYBE, he's got ulterior motives....??' but she was in total denial and apparently believed it was all down to her looks & charm.
November 22, 2015
I've found this book very interesting. The pace is a bit slow but it doesn't make the story any less interesting. I thing this author is realy good at transmitting intense emotions to the reader, this was not absent in this book. I believe the emotions Errol felt were mostly the ones i got in touch to, specialy the frustration he get so used to feel along the story. THe characters were realy well made, all of them hvve something that keeps me guessing about them, The decissions Gray made, what Errol would do or Raphael's motives.
Raphael was the character that i liked the most, probably because he was the one that was more developed in terms of his background, and also because he was such and intriguing person.
Overall i think it was a very good book, realy well written and with great characters.
It doesn't have a better rate from me becuase i can't help to compare it to other books i've read from this author, which i consider better. Probably if this would be her first book i've read it would have a better rating.
Raphael was the character that i liked the most, probably because he was the one that was more developed in terms of his background, and also because he was such and intriguing person.
Overall i think it was a very good book, realy well written and with great characters.
It doesn't have a better rate from me becuase i can't help to compare it to other books i've read from this author, which i consider better. Probably if this would be her first book i've read it would have a better rating.
October 3, 2015
I love this author. She stole my heart with 'We Need to Talk about Kevin' and this book is devastating too. Lionel is an amazing writer and this book is yet again a sad exposure of the weak, the evil manipulator, the domineering and the devoted personalities. I was so irritated with the main character, Gray, a successful, strong woman who caves into the wiles of a complete user, of course she is prepared to do anything for this creep and keeps proving it, so he 'ups the bar'.
Her devoted work assistant, Errol, is diminished by her weakness. he attempts to gently urge her to see the light but she is unshakeable. He has always loved her but is never considered by her. The characters of Ida and Walter are further examples of what some individuals are capable of enduring for love or maybe from sheer weakness of character.
The saddest thing I drew from this novel is that I know individuals like these characters. We all need to steer clear of some of them.
The ending is unusually handled but I enjoyed it
Her devoted work assistant, Errol, is diminished by her weakness. he attempts to gently urge her to see the light but she is unshakeable. He has always loved her but is never considered by her. The characters of Ida and Walter are further examples of what some individuals are capable of enduring for love or maybe from sheer weakness of character.
The saddest thing I drew from this novel is that I know individuals like these characters. We all need to steer clear of some of them.
The ending is unusually handled but I enjoyed it
January 23, 2020
The novel drags a little. However, every time I wanted to give up, a little nugget would draw me back in. It's a fascinating look at love and abuse through anthropological eyes. It makes one realise that some people really do believe that cruelty passes for love. I enjoyed the story being told from Errol's perspective, his observations are sharp, keen, sometimes loving other times brutal. If you're a Shriver fan, it's well worth a read to see where this fantastic writer started, it's not her best work but it shows a lot of promise, intelligence and as ever, food for thought.
August 6, 2019
I've been reading Shriver for around 10 years (definitely one of my favourite authors), and it's really interesting to only now be reading her first book. It doesn't feel as sharp as later ones - in at least two senses of the word - but to me I definitely see the potential of what was to come. As always, I liked the writing and the characters, the main three in particular this time. I also loved what I'm aware I've criticised in other books - that the narrative is often punctuated by little vignettes which are almost short stories in their own right, but in her hands they all work. I loved the journey from the Heart of Darkness / Apocalypse Now-ness of the initial time in Africa to Small Town America to academia and the veneration of academics. A powerful but satisfying end, but I'd love to know how Shriver feels about Gray now.
July 4, 2018
A Favorite Author's first work
If I could do this reading of mine from some other starting point, I would start with this first book and follow Shriver's writing career from book to book. As it stands, I came to this novel when I decided to read every novel written by her. I was not remotely dissatisfied. In fact, the same voice I have come to love in each novel is as poignant in this début as in any of the others.
The thing about this talented author is the steely nerve of that voice. It is unflinching, serious even when comedic, and brutally honest. Maybe I enjoy this voice because I have been told I too can be brutally honest. Whatever my reasons, apparently many readers also have enjoyed her writing skill.
If I could do this reading of mine from some other starting point, I would start with this first book and follow Shriver's writing career from book to book. As it stands, I came to this novel when I decided to read every novel written by her. I was not remotely dissatisfied. In fact, the same voice I have come to love in each novel is as poignant in this début as in any of the others.
The thing about this talented author is the steely nerve of that voice. It is unflinching, serious even when comedic, and brutally honest. Maybe I enjoy this voice because I have been told I too can be brutally honest. Whatever my reasons, apparently many readers also have enjoyed her writing skill.
June 27, 2012
As Shriver's first novel, I had somewhat muted expectations regarding this book, which were well met. Having read a number of her later works, elements such as her use of prose and perspective to advance the story are present here, but just beginning to develop into her signature style. I appreciated the story and her exploration of manipulation within relationships, though the novel is not one that I would revisit. I would pick "So Much for That" over this one, though I gave them both two stars.
January 2, 2026
This book is not something I would ever pick up to read but it was my used book monthly book so I was forced to read it. It was very hard to follow. The beginning was brutal to get through because it was all about anthropology. I am glad I finished this and can now move on with my life. (UBM Dec 21)
May 12, 2009
After 100 pages and I just didn't care, I had to give up. TEDIOUS.
Her other books were much better, you can tell this was an early work.
Her other books were much better, you can tell this was an early work.
June 21, 2012
This is The Heart of Darkness except not boring. As she does so well, Shriver dissects the relationships between humans in all their twisted and fascinating complications.
March 25, 2018
Rule of 50.
November 30, 2022
I love books about powerful older women who are in full ownership of their ambitions, lives, and proclivities. "The Female of the Species" opens with the indominable Dr Gray Kaiser complaining that her actions have made her into a character to be revered, instead of a woman of flesh and blood. Dr Kaiser is approaching sixty and is a big deal in the world of anthropology. Her tongue, wits, and tennis game are as sharp as ever. Dr Kaiser's colleague and long time companion Errol continues to witness Gray's work ethic and drive with admiration and creeping apprehension. Dr Kaiser and Errol have been working together for decades and Errol has nurtured a crush for Gray for most of their professional relationship. Despite working in exotic locations and in close quarters, the two have never shared more than a kiss. Dr Kaiser, although very spirited, leans towards dispassionate when it comes to pursuing a relationship with a colleague.
When Dr Kaiser and Errol revisit Toroto in Kenya, the enigmatic and devastatingly handsome Raphael Sarasola appears as a research assistant. Lacking any obvious passion or anthropological knowledge, Raphael makes up for it by bearing the uncanny resemblance to a deceased Charles Corgie (a white man who had convinced the village of Toroto that he was a God). Raphael instantly catches Dr Kaiser's attention and Errol's jealousy. Despite the over thirty years difference in their age Raphael pursues Dr Kaiser with every intention of forming a romantic attachment between the two. Errol watches with dismay as while he believes his mentor and best friend to be taken advantage of at best, and at worst professionally humiliated.
I went into "The Female of the Species" knowing what to expect - the older woman humiliated by a younger man as the power balance shifts - but the novel is so well written that there was never a moment that I felt bored watching the game unfold. Errol ends up being a surprisingly deep and empathetic character who watches Raphael with evident dislike, but also a deep interest. Dr Gray Kaiser is equally impressive as an anthropologist, but also as a woman following her passion. The author manages to keep Raphael Sarasola as an enigma, often a cruel one, but still enigmatic.
Overall I though this book might depress me; but I feel in love with the characters and their quirks and ambitions. There was something comforting about a group of seasoned anthropologists still navigating through awkward social niceties, friendships, and power dynamics that made me feel like sometimes nobody gets it right. And despite a blow to the heart, Dr Gray Kaiser remains a powerful woman.
When Dr Kaiser and Errol revisit Toroto in Kenya, the enigmatic and devastatingly handsome Raphael Sarasola appears as a research assistant. Lacking any obvious passion or anthropological knowledge, Raphael makes up for it by bearing the uncanny resemblance to a deceased Charles Corgie (a white man who had convinced the village of Toroto that he was a God). Raphael instantly catches Dr Kaiser's attention and Errol's jealousy. Despite the over thirty years difference in their age Raphael pursues Dr Kaiser with every intention of forming a romantic attachment between the two. Errol watches with dismay as while he believes his mentor and best friend to be taken advantage of at best, and at worst professionally humiliated.
I went into "The Female of the Species" knowing what to expect - the older woman humiliated by a younger man as the power balance shifts - but the novel is so well written that there was never a moment that I felt bored watching the game unfold. Errol ends up being a surprisingly deep and empathetic character who watches Raphael with evident dislike, but also a deep interest. Dr Gray Kaiser is equally impressive as an anthropologist, but also as a woman following her passion. The author manages to keep Raphael Sarasola as an enigma, often a cruel one, but still enigmatic.
Overall I though this book might depress me; but I feel in love with the characters and their quirks and ambitions. There was something comforting about a group of seasoned anthropologists still navigating through awkward social niceties, friendships, and power dynamics that made me feel like sometimes nobody gets it right. And despite a blow to the heart, Dr Gray Kaiser remains a powerful woman.
September 23, 2024
Shrivers debut novel, and what a confident, inpressive one it is. Shriver already knew how to pace a story, develop multifacted characters and it doesn't feel like any debut novel I've read before. However, her skill develops much more in her later books, cementing her place as one of my favourite authors. This was really good, but perhaps a touch long or slightly laboured in some parts (only in comparison to her other works).
Shriver is exceptional at creating realistic, fascinating characters and her prose is the right blend of interesting word choices that are not pretentious or drag the flow of the story down. I often think about her stories long after I finish them, and I'll read anything by her.
Shriver is exceptional at creating realistic, fascinating characters and her prose is the right blend of interesting word choices that are not pretentious or drag the flow of the story down. I often think about her stories long after I finish them, and I'll read anything by her.
January 18, 2026
I have only read one of Shriver’s most recent books prior to reading this one, her first. The style is definitely much more raw but her ability to create the most intriguing characters and use them to great effect is as evident here as it was in her later book. This one is fascinating on many levels - from the irony of having the characters one is studying from a species point of view actually be anthropologists to the almost painful exposure of human foibles and strangeness, it all hits home very well. I started out not particularly warming to the book but as I approached the halfway point I realised I was reading very fast and it had realy grown on me. Rather like the strange characters do.
September 7, 2021
I love Lionel Shriver and I've read all her books except Ordinary Decent Criminals (next on my list). Her latest, Should We Stay or Should We Go, is so brilliant that when I'd finished reading it I immediately reread it from the beginning. But I have to say that if the first book of hers I'd picked up was The Female of the Species I'd never have read another. You can see her promise in this, but it's definitely juvenilia. If you haven't read her work yet, don't start here. Ditto Checker and the Derailleurs (though that one's worth looking at for her drawings, and a sixteen year old drummer would love it).
June 8, 2017
I picked this up from the library shelf based on my enjoyment of LS's recent work. It doesn't take long for the gusto of her writing to show through, the conversation with Hassatti, the stay with Corbie, the fracturing tumble from the treehouse. Strangely though I never quite accepted the liklihood of the central triangular question of the novel, and really had to make myself care what new insult Raphael and Gray would throw at poor Errol. So, admiration for the surface decoration of the novel, but apathy for its basic architecture. Still like LS's sense of adventure though.
July 19, 2019
It was a slow read. Ms Shriver took quite time in her debut to describe how Gray Kaiser as the strong, independent woman and famous anthropologist turned into a mess (to say the least). The PoV is from Errol, who’s her assistant for decades as well as (not-so) secret admirer.
To be fair, the plot is rather detailed and thorough although it was from third person PoV. I feel that the first half of the book to be very dragging, but as the “conflict” started it became quite enjoyable. I especially appreciate the ways the story concludes, it feels realistic and comforting.
To be fair, the plot is rather detailed and thorough although it was from third person PoV. I feel that the first half of the book to be very dragging, but as the “conflict” started it became quite enjoyable. I especially appreciate the ways the story concludes, it feels realistic and comforting.
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