The Female of the Species is a brutal and honest look at human nature, revenge, and rape culture. Through the perspectives of three different characters, McGinnis explores how there isn’t always a clear right or wrong in any given situation. Alex is a captivating and interesting character. She is full of depth and is well-balanced by the characters of Jack and Claire. All three characters were flawed, but that’s what made them feel real. The ending was heartbreaking, but it also felt like the only natural conclusion and the catalyst for everything that had been building up over the course of the novel. The Female of the Species is a quick read that will have you considering your own morality and just what you might be capable of.
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis, (List Price: $10.99, Katherine Tegen Books, 9780062320902, April 2022)
Reviewed by Emma Tara, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia