Sister Light, Sister Dark Yolen adIndresses post-1960s feminist concerns by means of a narrative set in a fantasy world. Mountain clans of warrior women have established self-contained communities called Hames, in order to maintain themselves in a patriarchal Garunian age. The child protagonist Jenna resides in Selden Hame, one enclave among many. These clans arose when men rid themselves of large numbers of superfluous women, and when many female babies were abandoned to die. The women, called Altites, worship a female deity named Great Alta, and are helped by "dark sisters" who magically appear as facets of themselves. The conception is provocative in areas of women's multiple identities, self-development, mutual support, and potential for impact upon society and culture.

The nurturing of Jenna by Selden Hame foster mothers reflects the social concerns of single parenthood, child care, and the pauperization of many women. The maturation...