The Gate to Women's Country by Sheri S. Tepper

This is a simple story that leads us to some very complex topics . As you'd expect the world we know has gone. Subsumed by the "convulsions" civilisation is creeping back. The towns are maintained by women but protected by men. Be prepared for an optimistic, romantic, tragic, romp which is also sexist, homophobic and dated. A retro trip in the fields of second wave feminist sci-fi. It's also a damn good read by an extraordinary author Don't for the love of god read Goodreads reviews (4.06 Stars) unless you've read this before.