AtanariaIn Phallers, Chloe Delaume crafts a bold, satirical, and feminist narrative that pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction to confront patriarchy and male violence. Originally conceived as an idea in her novel Pauvre Folle, this standalone story builds on protagonist Clotilde’s fantasy of a film about a group of women capable of literally detonating phalluses, re-imagining it here as a darkly humorous and intensely cathartic feminist fable.
The protagonist, Violette, is a young woman who, following the trauma of sexual assault, discovers a violent power she wields against male aggressors. With this power, she transforms men’s phallic symbols of dominance into grotesque explosions, turning violence back upon its source. Violette’s journey leads her to a community of women who share her “gift.” Together, they begin to consider how this unique power might serve as a collective weapon against systemic misogyny. Delaume’s exploration of this supernatural “gift” serves as a pointed, fantastical response to sexual violence and the impunity often enjoyed by powerful male figures, particularly in realms like the film industry. In this way, Phallers stands as a revenge fantasy that viscerally addresses current cultural issues surrounding masculinity, power, and accountability.
Delaume does not shy away from employing dark humor and what some might call “misandric” satire. Her characters draw strength from a collective rejection of patriarchal structures and masculine entitlement. This satire critiques masculinist ideologies and “faux-alliés” (false allies)—men who claim to support feminism but ultimately maintain the same oppressive systems. By presenting a world in which the “sacred monsters” of cinema and other male-dominated spaces are forced to reckon with the violent manifestations of their unchecked abuses, Delaume offers a scathing commentary on the complicity and privilege that often protect such men.
In addition to its biting satire, Phallers stands out as an ode to the power of collective female solidarity. Delaume celebrates the bonds formed among women who, while bound by shared trauma, come together to form a community of resilience and empowerment. This portrayal of sorority is both an emotional and political testament, a vision of women’s unity that transcends individual pain to build a shared sense of agency. As Delaume poignantly writes, this solidarity begins “where the reign of men ends”—a vision of hope for a world less bound by the oppressive structures of patriarchy.
Furthermore, Phallers integrates feminist theory and inspiration from figures like Renée Vivien, Valerie Solanas, and Virginie Despentes, situating the story within a larger feminist literary and philosophical tradition. This grounding in feminist thought gives the novella a rich intellectual depth, aligning Delaume’s fictional world with real-world feminist critiques of violence, power, and sexual politics. The narrative thus operates on multiple levels: as a work of speculative fiction, a philosophical critique, and a manifesto for feminist empowerment.
True to her immersive style, Delaume complements the book with an album, Sentiments négatifs, featuring songs composed by Violette and her newfound community. Tracks like Ouin Ouin Blues and Purple Fuckers—which readers can listen to after closing the book—extend the story’s feminist anthem into the musical realm, creating a multi-sensory experience that amplifies the book’s themes of resistance and resilience.
In sum, Phallers is a provocative, imaginative, and fiercely feminist work that combines satire, speculative fiction, and theory to challenge patriarchal norms and celebrate the power of female solidarity. Delaume’s unique voice offers a cathartic experience that resounds as both a critique of systemic misogyny and a hopeful vision for feminist rebellion and unity.
