Deep underground, thirty-nine women are held captive in a mysterious cage, with no memory of their past or how they arrived. Above ground, an unknown world awaits, possibly abandoned or devastated. As time blurs under electric lights, a young girl, the fortieth prisoner and an outcast, emerges as the key to their escape and survival. This haunting post-apocalyptic tale explores themes of sisterhood, secrets, and the will to survive in a world where the women have never known men.

Why You Should Read?

• Experience a gripping post-apocalyptic narrative that delves into the psychological impact of isolation and the struggle for survival.
• Discover a unique story of female resilience and the formation of an unexpected community in the face of extreme adversity.
• Explore profound questions about memory, identity, and the nature of humanity in a world stripped bare of its familiar structures.
• Join the many readers who have made this a TikTok sensation, drawn to its compelling mystery and emotional depth.

About the Author

Jacqueline Harpman (1929-2012) was a Belgian novelist and psychoanalyst. Born in Etterbeek, Belgium, she spent part of her childhood in Casablanca during World War II. Harpman wrote over fifteen novels, earning critical acclaim for her unique blend of philosophical inquiry and compelling storytelling. Her works often explored themes of identity, memory, and the human condition, gaining her a dedicated readership and several literary awards in her native Belgium.