[Despatches from the Frontiers of the Female Mind] was published by the Women's Press in 1984. Edited and with an introduction by Jen Green and Sarah Lefanu, this collection of 17 short stories written by women is most definitely feminist, exploring themes of gender roles, reproductive choices, societal trends, science fiction gender tropes, and more. Indeed, this anthology is clearly the child of second-wave feminism. The introduction does a great job discussing representation of women in science fiction by male authors, why women want to write speculative fiction, and name checking all the big names (of women authors) from the 1950s to the 1980s. It references and builds upon the groundbreaking [Women of Wonder] anthology from 1978 (also part of my personal library).

The only authors presented here whose names I recognized were Joanna Russ, Tanith Lee, Mary Gentle, and Raccoona Sheldon. Not surprising, since the majority of the authors are British, and I'm just not familiar with British speculative fiction. Each story is prefaced by an author bio and in many cases her comments about the story and its inspiration.

ALL of the stories are interesting. "Big Operation on Altair Three" opens the collection with a satirical take on advertising, consumerism, and mature female stars, which is just as relevant today. Some are not at all subtle, such as "The Cliches from Outer Space" and "Morality Meat." Some I found kinda bizarre and will probably have to sit with for awhile ("Apples in Winter" and "Instructions for Exiting This Building in Case of Fire" and "Words" and "Relics"). I particularly enjoyed "Spinning the Green," a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, my favorite fairy tale as a child. "Atlantis 2045: no love between planets" and "The Awakening" were quite chilling dystopias. "The Intersection," "Love Alters," and "A Sun in the Attic" were very memorable visions of distant-future alternative societies. "Cyclops" connects ancient Greece with the distant future among the stars. "Mab" imagines human parthenogenesis. I found "Long Shift" charming and bittersweet in its portrayal of women using telekinesis in an industrial capacity and dedication to the public welfare.

I enjoyed the range of styles, topics, and points of view. I certainly recommend others try to find this book too. ( )

"Introduction" by Jen Green and Sarah Lefanu;
"Big Operation on Altair Three" by Josephine Saxton;
"Spinning the Green" by Margaret Elphinstone;
"The Cliches from Outer Space" by Joanna Russ;
"The Intersection" by Gwyneth Jones (a preview of Escape Plans novel);
"Long Shift" by Beverley Ireland;
"Love Alters" by Tanith Lee;
"Cyclops" by Lannah Battley;
"Instructions for Exiting this Building in Case of Fire" by Pamela Zoline;
"A Sun in the Attic" by Mary Gentle;
"Atlantis 2045: no love between planets" by Frances Gapper;
"From a Sinking Ship" by Lisa Tuttle;
"The Awakening" by Pearlie McNeill;
"Words" by Naomi Mitchison;
"Relics" by Zoe Fairbairns; - excellent
"Mab" by Penny Casdagli;
"Morality Meat" by Raccoona Sheldon; - excellent
"Apples in Winter" by Sue Thomason.
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