Woman's World by Robert Silverberg

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Woman's World by Robert Silverberg

(7 User reviews) 1116

By Beatrice Turner Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Architecture

Authors: Silverberg, Robert, 1935- Published By : Silverberg, Robert, 1935-

Book Language: English

Hey, I just finished this wild little book from the 60s that I need to talk about. Imagine waking up one day and every single man on Earth has just... vanished. Poof. Gone overnight. That's the opening hook of 'Woman's World.' The story follows a small group of women in New York who are suddenly the only people left, trying to figure out what happened and how to build a society from scratch. It's not an action-packed survival story, though. The real mystery is more psychological: why did this happen, and what does a world run entirely by women actually look like? Is it utopian, or does it have its own problems? Silverberg writes it with a surprisingly thoughtful and often melancholy tone. It's a quick, strange, and really thought-provoking read that sticks with you. If you like 'what if' scenarios that make you question our own world's rules, you should check this one out.

File: Woman's World by Robert Silverberg

Robert Silverberg’s Woman's World starts with the ultimate 'what if.' One morning, every man—from fathers and husbands to world leaders—simply disappears. The story centers on a handful of women in New York City, including a secretary named Norma, who find themselves alone in a suddenly silent world. With no explanation, no warning, and no men, they are forced to confront immediate practical survival before grappling with the enormous task of rebuilding civilization.

The Story

The plot follows Norma and others as they form a small community. They secure food, restore basic utilities, and try to establish new social rules. The driving force isn't a quest to find the men, but a deep exploration of what comes next. How do you govern? How do you assign value to work? What happens to relationships, art, and ambition when the entire social structure you knew is gone? The narrative is less about external threats and more about the internal journey of these women as they invent a new world from the ashes of the old one.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book fascinating is its quiet, reflective pace. Written in 1967, it avoids easy answers or simple feminist manifestos. Instead, Silverberg presents a genuine experiment. His characters aren't superheroes; they're confused, grieving, and often conflicted about their new roles. The book asks tough questions about gender, power, and human nature without preaching. Is a society of only women inherently more peaceful or cooperative? Silverberg lets the story explore the possibilities, both hopeful and flawed. It’s a character study wrapped in a science fiction premise.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love classic sci-fi that focuses on ideas over laser battles. If you enjoyed the societal explorations in books like The Left Hand of Darkness or the quiet post-apocalyptic mood of Station Eleven, you'll find a lot to like here. It’s also a great, accessible entry point for anyone curious about older science fiction that tackled big social questions. Just be ready for a thoughtful, conversation-starting story rather than a fast-paced thriller.