A Door Into Ocean by Joan Slonczewski
This novel unfolds on the ocean-covered planet of Shora, inhabited by the Sharers, an all-female, pacifist society that lives in harmony with their aquatic environment. Their way of life is threatened when they come into contact with the militaristic, male-dominated world of Valan, which seeks to colonize and exploit Shora. Through the lens of bioengineering, nonviolent resistance, and ecological sustainability, the story explores themes of gender, power, and the clash of cultures. The Sharers, with their profound understanding of life sciences, offer a stark contrast to the Valans' approach to technology and control, setting the stage for a compelling narrative about the possibilities of coexistence and the value of understanding and respecting differences.