Writer Carmen Maria Machado discusses “I Who Have Never Known Men”, a 1995 novel by Jacqueline Harpman that was republished in 2022 to great acclaim.  It’s a work of speculative dystopian fiction about a group of women who are apparently the only survivors of a global catastrophe.  Machado wrote the introduction for the new edition, and on December 12, 2025, she came to the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco to talk with KQED’s Alexis Madrigal about the book and its connections to her own work.

Writer Carmen Maria Machado discusses “I Who Have Never Known Men”, a 1995 novel by Jacqueline Harpman that was republished in 2022 to great acclaim. It’s a work of speculative dystopian fiction about a group of women who are apparently the only survivors of a global catastrophe. Machado wrote the introduction for the new edition, and on December 12, 2025, she came to the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco to talk with KQED’s Alexis Madrigal about the book and its connections to her own work.

Writer Carmen Maria Machado discusses “I Who Have Never Known Men”, a 1995 novel by Jacqueline Harpman that was republished in 2022 to great acclaim.&nbsp; It’s a work of speculative dystopian fiction about a group of women who are apparently the only survivors of a global catastrophe.&nbsp; Machado wrote the introduction for the new edition, and on December 12, 2025, she came to the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco to talk with KQED’s Alexis Madrigal about the book and its connections to her own work. &nbsp;

Carmen Maria Machado on "I Who Have Never Known Men"

Since 1980, City Arts &amp; Lectures has presented onstage conversations with outstanding figures in literature, politics, criticism, science, and the performing arts, offering the most diverse perspectives about ideas and values. City Arts &amp; Lectures programs can be heard on more than 130 public radio stations across the country and wherever you get your podcasts. The broadcasts are co-produced with KQED 88.5 FM in San Francisco. Visit <a href="https://www.cityarts.net" title="City Arts &amp; Lectures" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CITYARTS.NET </a>for more info.

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Since 1980, City Arts & Lectures has presented onstage conversations with outstanding figures in literature, politics, criticism, science, and the performing arts, offering the most diverse perspectives about ideas and values. City Arts & Lectures programs can be heard on more than 130 public radio stations across the country and wherever you get your podcasts. The broadcasts are co-produced with KQED 88.5 FM in San Francisco. Visit CITYARTS.NET for more info.

Since 1980, City Arts &amp; Lectures has presented onstage conversations with outstanding figures in literature, politics, criticism, science, and the performing arts, offering the most diverse perspectives about ideas and values. City Arts &amp; Lectures programs can be heard on more than 130 public radio stations across the country and wherever you get your podcasts. The broadcasts are co-produced with KQED 88.5 FM in San Francisco. Visit <a href="https://www.cityarts.net" title="City Arts &amp; Lectures" rel="noopener noreferrer">CITYARTS.NET </a>for more info.

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Carmen Maria Machado on "I Who Have Never Known Men"

Carmen Maria Machado on "I Who Have Never Known Men"

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