The Natural Way of Things
The Natural Way of Things
Book Brief
Beta320
Novel • Fiction
Australia • Contemporary
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood explores the lives of women held captive in a remote facility because of their involvement in public scandals. The narrative delves into themes of power, control, and gender dynamics as the individuals endure harsh conditions and seek to reclaim their agency amidst an oppressive environment.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Challenging
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
17,208 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Charlotte Wood's The Natural Way of Things is praised for its compelling storytelling and exploration of misogyny and power dynamics. The prose is described as haunting and vivid. However, some readers find the narrative bleak and disturbing. Its thematic depth and originality are lauded, though the dark tone can be overwhelming for some.
Who Should Read The Natural Way of Things?
A reader who enjoys The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood appreciates dark, feminist dystopian narratives that challenge societal norms. Fans of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale or Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go would find its themes of control and survival compelling.
17,208 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Natural Way of Things won the Stella Prize in 2016, which is awarded to outstanding books by Australian women writers.
Charlotte Wood was inspired to start writing The Natural Way of Things after reading about the Hay Institution for Girls, a notorious Australian detention center from the 1960s and 70s.
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The novel reflects themes of feminist dystopia and critique of contemporary societal norms, drawing comparisons to works like Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale.
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320
Novel • Fiction
Australia • Contemporary
2015
Adult
18+ years
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