According to Rolling Stones Magazine, The Politics of Rape "is probably the best introduction to rape now in print." The Women's Press called Russell's book, "truly exceptional.... This is the best book I know of on the subject of the all-American crime of rape." Another reviewer described it as "one hell of a courageous book," noting that it was intended "as a tool for political change." Although The Politics of Rape was published a long time ago, the stories of rape survivors are never out of date.