The Change: A Novel by Kirsten Miller

n the small, coastal community of Mautauk, three women discover they possess latent, supernatural powers, which suddenly surge to life as they go through menopause.

Like her grandmother, Nessa hears the voices of the dead crying out until they find peace. Jo, a former high-powered executive forced to contend with patronizing men, discovers that rage and hot flashes give her extraordinary strength and heat. Harriett, who faces both her husband’s infidelity and the glass ceiling of her male-dominated advertising firm, magnificently transforms into a green goddess serving out ingenious revenge.

When they realize that the police refuse to investigate a possible serial killer who preys on young girls from impoverished backgrounds, Nessa, Jo, and Harriet know what they must do.

Without doubt, The Change is an extreme feminist fantasy. However, it is also delightful, sarcastic social commentary and very possibly just what we need. In a world that sickeningly resembles The Handmaiden’s Tale, Kristin Miller has written the perfect antidote. When it all becomes too much to take, turn off the news and social media and curl up with this novel. It will provide a respite and the energy to fight on.

(Originally published on Manhattan Book Review.)