This was ridiculously good feminist sci fi on par (at least for me) with LeGuin Atwood and Butler. It's so difficult to find this book, let alone the sequels, but it's so worth it.
The book explores themes of language, including how the language available to us shapes our perception and abilities. It also explores the role of women in society, and especially when women don't have full rights, and how those evolve as we age. Moral of the story: never underestimate a barren quiet old lady, a teenage girl, or your sexy nurse sidepiece (yes, these are all relevant examples).
Recommended widely to those of you that enjoy speculative fiction that explores social themes.