Isle of Women

Geodyssey #1

by Piers Anthony (Creator)

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Science Fiction, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy

456 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Though he spent the first four years of his life in England, Piers never returned to live in his country of birth after moving to Spain and immigrated to America at age six. After graduating with a B.A. from Goddard College, he married one of his fellow students and and spent fifteen years in an assortment of professions before he began writing fiction full-time.

Piers is a self-proclaimed environmentalist and lives on a tree farm in Florida with his wife. They have two grown daughters.

Reviews

[David Nichols · Rating 2 out of 5]

This 1993 novel answers the burning question "What would CLOUD ATLAS look like if it had been written by Piers Anthony?" The author uses multiple incarnations of a single extended family to examine what he considers important episodes in the evolutionary and cultural history of mankind: the development of language, the colonization of Australia, the development of art, the establishment of the first cities, and so forth. A few of the chapters tell genuinely interesting stories (e.g. the sections on Catal Huyuk and on the T'ang Dynasty, the latter of which could have been the foundation for a good novel), but on the whole the narratives prove rather dull and the characters poorly developed. Also, Anthony is keen to remind his readers that he really, really likes breasts, a point he makes to excess. We get it, Piers, You Heart Boobs. Now move on with the rest of the book.

[Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has left me somewhat torn. On one hand, as an environmental scientist I feel that the message of the book is sound: humans are clearly causing their destruction through their inability to maintain their population. It continues to logistically grow and yet we do seemingly nothing to contain it.

But the book itself falls short. The writing is very interesting how he follows man through time since the beginning and tracks its progress towards the present. Many of the mini-stories are cute and catchy, but it's difficult to grasp the theme of the book until the very end when it's suddenly dropped. There is no clear progression along the way towards overpopulation. At first I thought the theme was unsustainability through our degrading resource base. The theme could have been brought in more from the beginning.

The stories themselves are rather kitschy. The links between each succeeding generation to those before it are stressed too far with silly visions and not-quite-memories. As for the real history and science that he brings in, since the author is neither a historian nor a scientist (especially not a scientist) his words scratch at the surface of the real issues, but don't delve deeply enough to give the reader a meaningful impression of them. I realize that this book is meant as a broad generalization, but it's too broad and Malthus and his theories are not hinted at until the very end.

The book was an entertaining read for the most part, but I fear that with the extreme gloom and doom that he paints in the end, it has more like a "Day after Tomorrow" movie feel which puts the issue into such an extreme that it isn't believable. Yes, overpopulation is the biggest environmental issue facing the world currently, but by scaring readers by envisioning a scenario where humans are surviving by cockroaches and cannibalism in 2021, only 28 years after the book was written is an extraordinary stretch of the imagination. This I fear will push readers into taking the message as just the words of another crazy environmentalist.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book tried to be too many things and ended up failing at all of them by not really spending enough time on any one aspect to make it successful. Covering several million years, even at 400-plus pages, and trying to build a narrative with "recurring" characters, historical overviews, evolutionary points, and spending too little time on each ultimately leaves each suffering from lack of proper attention. Anthony's keen interest in the sexuality of young girls is about the only thing that receives a large amount of scrutiny, to the distraction of much of anything else for the first half of the book. The recurring characters throughout history was an interesting notion, but again, lacked enough exposition and exploration to make it anything more than a nearly-fascinating notion.

[Todd Wittenmyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fictionalized account of our journey from prehistoric times to the fairly recent. I loved the prehistory fiction, but the recent stuff not so much. Piers did a great deal of research for this series and facts are posted at the beginning and end of each chapter. This is the second book I've read in the Geodyssey series. I've enjoyed both book and I'm going to complete the series. I gave this a 3.75 stars!

[Ben Lund · Rating 2 out of 5]

I remember reading this the first time back in middle school. It's kind of held up over the years. The idea seemed so amazing the first time I read it, so much info, but in an easy to read fictional setting. Reading it again now, it's slightly dull, nothing really out of the ordinary happens. It really is a family living through a little slice of history before closing that chapter and moving on to the next little slice. It's a nice quick read but too short for you to feel invested or attached to what is happening.
The author note says that he wrote this in about 6 months, which seems really fast, I guess most of the research was done before he started writing, but it is surprising, even Stephen King only cranks out about 1 book/year.
The only other complaint I have about this book may be due to the time that has passed since he wrote it, reading some of the claims he makes have been disproven by new evidence, nothing huge, but I found myself muttering once or twice, "Well, that's not true." It's not a terrible book, but not the game changer I remember from my youth either.

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piers Anthony is known for his long-standing interest in unique puzzles and has often incorporated interesting puzzles and riddles into his books. He uses the technique very well in other novels but in this book, he has gone one step further. The premise of using one set of characters to live their lives through all of human history is an incredible idea in the first place but his masterful execution of it is simply wonderful. Despite the complexity of the task, Piers doesn't let that get in the way of the story itself, and the development of the plot and characters. The historical background itself is quite interesting but, true to form, the story itself is the key, and it works. I am intensely curious how the other two novels in the trilogy will be handled since they are reputed to be parallel to this one. If you aren't into trilogies, don't worry. This one stands alone in its entirety.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Isle of Woman (Geodyssey #1) by Piers Anthony

Overview
Piers Anthony’s Isle of Woman, the inaugural installment of the Geodyssey series, presents a sweeping narrative that explores the evolution of humanity through the intertwined lives of two families. Set against a backdrop of prehistoric times, the novel combines elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and social commentary, resulting in a multifaceted exploration of human nature, survival, and societal development.

Key Themes
Interconnectedness of Humanity: One of the central themes of Isle of Woman is the interconnectedness of human lives across generations. Anthony weaves a narrative that highlights how individual choices and familial legacies shape the course of history. Through the experiences of the main characters, readers are invited to reflect on the shared human experience and the impact of ancestry on contemporary identity.

Cultural Evolution and Adaptation: The novel illustrates the dynamic nature of human culture and its ability to adapt to changing environments. Anthony’s portrayal of early human societies emphasizes the struggles for survival and the development of social structures, showcasing the ingenuity and resilience of humanity. This theme is particularly relevant in discussions of anthropology and the evolution of social norms.

Gender and Societal Roles: Anthony explores the roles of women and men in prehistoric societies, addressing issues of gender dynamics within the context of survival and community building. The narrative offers a critique of traditional gender roles, revealing how societal expectations can shape individual destinies. This focus on gender provides a rich ground for feminist literary analysis and discussions on the historical context of gender relations.

Narrative Structure and Style: The storytelling in Isle of Woman is reminiscent of a series of interconnected short stories, which lends a unique rhythm and flow to the reading experience. Anthony’s vivid descriptions and engaging prose draw readers into the lush landscapes and emotional landscapes of his characters. This stylistic choice emphasizes the episodic nature of human history and the significance of individual stories within the larger tapestry of time.

Philosophical Reflections on Existence: Throughout the novel, Anthony prompts philosophical reflections on the nature of existence, the purpose of life, and the moral implications of human actions. These contemplative elements invite readers to engage with deeper questions about humanity’s place in the world, making the narrative resonate beyond mere storytelling.

Conclusion
Isle of Woman is a thought-provoking entry into Piers Anthony’s Geodyssey series, marked by its rich thematic depth and engaging narrative style. By intertwining personal stories with broader historical and cultural explorations, the novel challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of human evolution and societal structures.

This book is recommended for those interested in historical fiction, anthropology, and gender studies, as well as readers seeking a philosophical examination of human existence. Anthony’s work serves as a reminder of the complexities of life and the enduring connections that bind humanity through time. Overall, Isle of Woman lays a strong foundation for the subsequent volumes in the Geodyssey series, encouraging readers to reflect on the past while contemplating the future.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is an interesting idea, but I was not pulled in by the snippets of plot covering a multitude of eras and cultures. Perhaps it would have worked if the characters were all descendants from the same line, holding on to the histories of their families/cultures and then building upon it? Some of the stories were compelling, but were, of course, cut short to progress in time and civilization. As a huge fan of the Earth's Children Series, I can appreciate the incorporation of small lessons in paleontology, anthropology and biology to the overall storyline. But the greater pull with Isle of Woman seemed the facts, not the story.

[Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walk through an imaginative retelling of human evolution

Anthony tells the tale of two families whose fate are entwined through the evolution of humanity. It reads like a collection of short stories that follow the fate of familiar characters as they make their way through different times and cultures. I re-read the story after first reading it in the 1990s. Perhaps a bit too focused on sexual ethics (or sociology?). The story makes up for it with compelling characters and a broadly environment message.

[Kate McDougall Sackler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised about this novel. It’s a bit like Edward Rutherford lite. It follows a male and female duo, reborn over and over throughout history, showcasing how humans evolved throughout history. It was very interesting. However, I was amused by his “future 2021” (this was published in the early ‘90s), where cannibalism is rampant and all the world’s diseases have been eradicated.
2024 reading challenge-a book with a botanical cover

[Corvid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is like. Okay to read as long as you don't think about it. And as long as you can stand toxic levels of psuedoscience (of course humans bred with neanderthals, piers, where do you think the green eyes you don't shut up about through this whole book came from?) And as long as you have a high tolerance for 14 year olds having sex. Repeatedly. Throughout nearly the whole book.

...Piers Anthony needs to be on some kind of list.

[Diana Koenig · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started out well and caught my attention. I liked that people were starting to learn and develop language. The settings and stories around famous places were fun. Then it sort of devolved into sex and almost rape stories. The women aren't portrayed all that well, and men seem to maintain the same view of rape throughout the book.

[Jacob Watters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spans the course of human evolution through various epochs and eras using the same characters and relationships across the expanse of time. The only other creative story-telling work I can think of that is close is "Cloud Atlas", the movie by the Wechoski cyblings, but that movie doesn't hold a candle to this book.

[T.W. Fendley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at a used bookstore ... I enjoyed the historical basis and the way the stories were linked, but didn't like the way women were portrayed (although I can understand why it was written that way).

[Sandy Carmichael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did keep my attention and would have given it a higher rating BUT feel a misplacement in faith left it lacking. I prefer looking at the glass half full not half empty. Still was worth reading.

[Patt Lisenbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isle of Woman by Piers Anthony

The fore and after parts of each chapter gave real history. I really like that. The story of the main characters was also interesting and kept me wondering what would happen next.
Another grand achievement for Piers Anthony!

[Lisa Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows two people through the ages starting with prehistory. It explores different cultures in its travels through time. Its fascinating, but you have to pay attention.

[Ralph Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is not one of his better books, it is still a very interesting read. Enjoyable.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful journey through time with love, hate and curiosity.

[LieutBubbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of my rereads every couple of years I picked this book up partially for the romance partially for the history and mostly because it's just kind of fun to flip through.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter is a snippet of time, rather than a fully developed story. I would have preferred more stories. It was ok, not great.

[Trudy Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at civilization through time, especially at a woman’s world. Interesting premise as it is one family reincarnated. Thought provoking.

[Clinton Powell · Rating 1 out of 5]

A fascinating framing device mired in statutory rape.

[Joel Lantz · Rating 2 out of 5]

You could just read the first and last chapters only and not really miss out on anything.

[David Berger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of sex, and not enough history. Didn’t mind the sex, but the balance between the two could have used more of the historical facts.overall I enjoyed it, will read the sequel next.

[AliciaM. · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting, great movement

This book had me whenever I had time. Written in a different style than e I normally read. Highly recommend

[Ruthsidra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved everything except the cheesy ending.. hand me the popcorn!

[Brian R. Mcdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isle of Woman is the first volume in Anthony's Geodyssey tetralogy. Shame of Man, Hope of Earth, and Muse of Art complete the series. Each of the chapters [20 per book] is essentially a self-contained short story. Each story is set in a different era and a different part of the world, but all of the stories in any one volume feature the same group of characters under different names. For example, Isle of Woman tells the story of two families as they might have existed in the Rift Valley of east central Africa millions of years ago, in Neander and Lascaux during more recent prehistory, and in "modern" societies ranging from the Hittites to the Silk Road and from medieval Lithuania to the British Raj, ending in Houston in 2021.

Chapter 16, set in T'ang dynasty China, concerns lovers of go-related fiction. The main character is here named Lotus [again, she appears under different names in most of the other stories]. She is a servant to the emperor's principal concubine. She is heavily involved in her lady's complicated court intrigues, but has long tedious hours of waiting during formal functions, when she often plays Go with another servant. Oddly, the book refers to the game as Go, the standard term in the western world but derived from the Japanese name, rather than by the Chinese terms wei-chi or weiqi. The climax of the story turns on Lotus's attempt to influence the outcome of a Go game being played by the emperor.

The chapter is an interesting and well-told story in its own right, and would merit a positive place in the library of go literature as a separate work. Most of the other chapters warrant similar praise. However, the book as a whole transcends the sum of the individual stories. Mr. Anthony sets ambitious goals for himself with this series. First, he wants his batch of vignettes to add up to a work of paleontology, archeology and history, telling the story of our species through the stories of a few of its members. Secondly, he has a clear ideological agenda, seeking to warn us about trends in human history which he thinks are leading us to ecological and social crises. In my opinion, he accomplishes the first goal and makes a strong case for the second.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description:
Piers Anthony’s Isle of Woman is a monumental epic of unprecedented drama and scope, retelling the saga of humankind in a unique and dramatic way. The culmination of more than a quarter century of research, it is a stunningly ambitious achievement from a master of imaginative fiction. At once grand in scope and intimate in human detail, Isle of Woman tells the story of a man and a woman born at the dawn of human history, separated by fate, yet united by an unquenchable passion that even time could not conquer: Blaze, the fire worker who raised his kind of savagery, and Ember, the beautiful green-eyed woman who forever haunted his dreams.
Through their eyes and those of their descendants, we witness humanity’s odyssey from savagery to civilization as they are reborn again and again throughout history. We share with these two eternal lovers an unforgettable odyssey of triumph, tragedy, and discovery that takes them from the African Savannah to the ancient Middle East, from the South Pacific to the caves of northern Europe, from the court of imperial China to India during the British Raj, ending in a stunning reunion in an America in ruins only a few short years from now.

My review:
I liked how the author followed a person through all of history. Unique perceptive.

[Cyberpope · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review of the full Gheodyssey series.

Most excellent!

Anthony has done his own original reseatch into the origins of mankind, & developed this series to condense millionsd of years into 5 books.

He uses a unique approach of creating one set of characters who carry through from stomne age man to sometime in our near future.

He does this by assigning, at first two-letter names(eg "Ug") &, in each succeeding era, he expands the name one letter longer, but keeps many of the same personality & physical traits -- you get the idea that they are descendents of the original characters, but they are not aware of the past.

Each section explores a key(to Anthony) developmental era/geography in human history(eg Stone Age, Great Basin in Africa, Greek Empire, Asia/China, Ice Age, etc.)

Each chapter begins & ends with research/author notes that give you the context from the real world.

I especially found the exposition of life in the Americas to be enlightening.

If you hate history, but wouldn't mind learning more about it, but in a way that's not dry memorization of names, dates, etc, then this series is also for you!