On Strike Against God

On Strike Against God tells the story of Esther, a middle-aged English professor navigating significant life changes. The novel tracks her journey of self-discovery as she comes to terms with her identity as both a feminist and a lesbian. Set against the backdrop of academia, the narrative follows Esther's developing relationship with Jean, another woman, while simultaneously exploring her evolving political consciousness. The story unfolds through Esther's direct conversations with readers, incorporating literary references and academic discourse throughout. The book's structure mirrors Esther's personal transformation, moving between her academic work, personal revelations, and growing understanding of feminist theory. This intimate first-person account examines themes of sexuality, gender roles, and intellectual awakening in 1980s America. The novel stands as a significant work in feminist and LGBTQ+ literature, examining the intersection of personal identity and political awareness. Through its academic framework, it explores how intellectual and emotional growth can catalyze profound personal change.

Readers describe this novella as a personal, stream-of-consciousness exploration of coming out and religious identity. The raw, diary-like format resonates with many who have experienced similar journeys. Readers appreciate: - The honest portrayal of realizing one's sexuality later in life - Sharp humor and wit throughout - Feminist themes and social commentary - The depiction of Jewish identity intersecting with sexuality Common criticisms: - Experimental structure makes the narrative hard to follow - Some find the writing self-indulgent - Lack of cohesive plot - Religious themes become repetitive Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (234 ratings) Amazon: No longer in print, limited reviews available Several readers note the book feels more like reading someone's private journal than a traditional novel. One reviewer called it "raw and messy but intentionally so," while another described it as "too experimental for its own good."

The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, nom de plume A woman trapped in 1950s conformity discovers her authentic self through an unexpected connection with another woman, mirroring Esther's journey of self-discovery.

Orlando by Virginia Woolf The protagonist's gender transformation across centuries creates a meditation on identity and societal constraints that resonates with the themes of gender and self-exploration.

The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall This groundbreaking story of a woman's struggle with gender identity and same-sex desire parallels the academic and personal revelations in Russ's work.

Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg The narrative tracks a journey through gender identity and political awakening in working-class America, echoing the themes of personal and political transformation.

The Female Man by Joanna Russ This science fiction exploration of gender roles and feminist consciousness connects to the themes of awakening and identity present in On Strike Against God.

🔹 Published in 1980, this book belongs to Joanna Russ's later works and reflects her own experiences as a lesbian feminist academic during a time of significant social change. 🔹 Russ was not only a novelist but also a groundbreaking feminist science fiction author, best known for "The Female Man" (1975), which is considered a cornerstone of feminist sci-fi literature. 🔹 The book's title references a Jewish expression "on strike against God," reflecting both religious questioning and rebellion against patriarchal structures. 🔹 As a professor at the University of Washington, Russ brought authenticity to the academic setting of the novel, drawing from her experiences teaching English and writing. 🔹 The novel's direct address to readers was innovative for its time and influenced later feminist writers who sought to break traditional narrative conventions.