Ammonite. by Nicola Griffith

I don’t know how I missed this magical work when I was immersed in feminist sf many years ago. This is truly a classic and never hits a wrong one note. A planet of women with different climate, different ethnology, different foods and relationships. I found it mesmerising and could barely put it down. I loved it but won’t say more because of fear of disturbing the unfolding of the story.

I must be one of the only readers of this award-winning book who hasn't loved it, judging by its many accolades. Griffiths is a great writer - that's undeniable - and I wanted to like this book more. However, I found the story slow going, and struggled to connect with the characters. I may well like Griffiths' other novels, judging by her style, but I wouldn't recommend this one.

Excellent book, well paced and didn't become cliched. Will be looking out for more from this author

A book that brought me the inspiration I was looking for.

It is a shame this book is not more popular. It is a brilliant example of all that is wonderful about science fiction. Thrilled to have found it!

Ammonite tells the story of a cultural researcher who reaches a planet where a virus kills all men, and a significant percentage of the women as well.Griffith uses the setting to discuss questions of sexuality and gender, of thinking from outside and what happens when a researcher finds herself a part of the research.

This book is a science fiction tale about the politics of colonization, the science of immunology, and also the difficulties of finding a place in a new society as an outsider. At what point must you cease to be an observer and start to become a participant? Also, it is set on entire planet full of women, because men all die if they live there. The whole men-dying thing is not just a plot point to justify an all-female planet; it is a crucial part that drives the entire colonisation politics of the story, so the all-female part of the story is not just a maguffin for a statement about gender politics---yet, of course, it is entirely about gender politics, because how could you not be making a statement about gender with an all-female planet that is entirely self-sufficient and full of exactly the same range of lovers, fighters, farmers, travellers, healers, crafters, hunters, leaders, and crazy lunatics as a society with men? I loved this book. It is well-written, the characters are fascinating and complex and have rich inner lives, and the science fiction is well-developed. (There is perhaps a tendency towards mysticism that I could have done without, but that's a personal preference rather than a criticism.)

First I should say that this book is very well written, there's a natural flow to the novel which made it an easy read. Quite impressive for a first book.However, my main frustration was it could have been so much more! Where was the male point of view? Ok maybe "The Company" represents male oppression/exploitation but it wasn't explored except shallowly.The other aspect that frustrated was that the "virus", what should have been a major character and motivator, was reduced to spooky woowoo.This novel could have been a seminal exploration of an all female society from a woman's perspective, and hence of major interest to this particular bloke, but felt truncated intellectually.The author should find a suitable male co-author and write a sequel, that would be really interesting. I'd read that and watch the hit TV series.

I really enjoyed this and am amazed that I never read it when I was totally hooked on SF. For me it's reminiscent of Le Guin's best work and I loved the writing style, the story, the characters and the splendid world building. Not to mention the fascinating idea of a world inhabited only by women but written without any heavy handed feminist rhetoric.So glad to have discovered this gem and have already bought another of her books.

A distant world, a long forgotten colony - whose memnbers have adapted in very profound ways. A woman from earth comes to study and ens up "going native". I'ts not an enormously complex plot. What makes this book so good is the the authors imagination in creating and skill in depicting a very different culture. Reminded me of the pleasure I have had from some of Ursula Legins works and one or two by Marge Piercy. Toroughly reccomended to any who enjoy atmospheric reading material.

The delivery was perfectly on time and the book is in good conditions, clearly used, but perfectly fine.The story itself is just brilliant, wonderful! I can hardly believe this was the author's first book! Nicola Griffith is such a talented writer, she always blows my mind. I love all the knowledge she puts behind her stories and the way she can describe a world, make you live in it. While Slow River remains my favourite among her books, Ammonite is another masterpiece, I absolutely loved it!