A man awakens from a five-century-long suspended animation to find himself in a future dominated by women. Confused and disoriented, he encounters two strong women who attempt to take him away, revealing a society where men are subjugated. As he navigates this new world, he learns that women have gained power over men, leading to a reversal of traditional gender roles. The protagonist is quickly thrust into chaos as he is pursued by a group of women, culminating in an encounter with a queen who demands his presence. He discovers that men have become a marginalized group, with a small faction of men planning a rebellion against the matriarchal society. The leader of this faction, Lola, sees the protagonist as a symbol of hope and a potential leader for their cause. Lola coerces the protagonist into participating in a rebellion, leveraging his status as a man from the past to rally other men. He is locked away until the time for his speech arrives, during which he is to inspire the downtrodden males to rise against their oppressors. The protagonist grapples with his predicament, realizing that he is caught between two powerful forces: the women who desire him and the men who see him as their savior. As the rebellion unfolds, the protagonist is thrust into a chaotic scene where he must deliver a speech to incite the men. However, he is quickly overwhelmed by the women, leading to a moment of unconsciousness. Upon awakening, he finds himself back in the laboratory of the scientist who placed him in suspended animation, realizing that his experiences were merely a psychological test. This revelation prompts a profound change in his perspective. He decides to abandon the idea of escaping to the future, recognizing that the complexities of relationships and gender dynamics are present in his own time. He resolves to confront his past mistakes and work on his relationship with his fiancée, understanding the importance of shared responsibilities in a partnership. The narrative concludes with the protagonist embracing the challenges of his own time rather than seeking an escape into a future that may not be as ideal as he once thought.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1976 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Satire