Psychologist Marjorie “Jorie” Holmes lives in a society where women control everything; following an event known as the Shift, men are no longer around, and the creations of men, including books, have been eradicated. The purpose of this was to “expunge the negative effects of the patriarchal system,” as men are considered “brutal, bloodthirsty, barbaric creatures.” Life in this now “fairly peaceful society” is interrupted when a woman named Eve kills her partner, Lottie. Eve does nothing to hide her crime, nor does she show any remorse. Trying to figure out how to treat Eve, Jorie learns a secret: There actually is one human male still alive. This man, who will come to be known as Adam, lives on Archive Island, where ancient texts and other works created by men are safely stored. Adam is well cared for, but he is not allowed to leave. Jorie’s mission is to travel to Archive Island and “try to learn what makes him tick.” After Jorie spends some time with Adam, she finds her entire belief system “turned inside out.” The narrative introduces a unique environment in which people like Jorie look up to historical figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt without fully understanding who they really were; Jorie thinks of Roosevelt as a philosopher, and is surprised to learn that Roosevelt had a husband, let alone one who was the president of the United States. Thomas’ story raises compelling questions—Jorie may learn about hidden aspects of the past (and take a romantic interest in Adam), but what can she possibly do about these things? The novel’s pacing can drag; characters greet each other with bland exchanges like, “We’d heard you were coming. Pleased to meet you.” Still, the provocative premise remains engaging, and readers will be hooked, eager to see to see what Jorie will do next.