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Cover of The female of the species

The female of the species

Lionel Shriver (1987)

SubgenreHistorical Romance
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages ()
SettingNew York City
Goodreads3.56/5 (839)

Content levels

ViolenceNot rated
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageNot rated

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Synopsis

Still unattached and childless at fifty-nine, world-renowned anthropologist Gray Kaiser is seemingly invincible-and untouchable. Returning to make a documentary at the site of her first great triumph in Kenya, she is accompanied by her faithful middle-aged assistant, Errol McEchern, who has loved her for years in silence. When sexy young graduate assistant Raphael Sarasola arrives on the scene, Gray is captivated and falls hopelessly in love-before an amazed and injured Errol's eyes. As he follows the progress of their affair with jealous fascination, Errol watches helplessly from the sidelines as a proud and fierce woman is reduced to miserable dependence through subtle, cruel, and calculating manipulation.