Reviews

The Wife Drought by Annabel Crabb

yluu's review against another edition

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funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

rubyrosereads_'s review

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informative slow-paced

3.0

tomstbr's review against another edition

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4.0

At first you think this book will be about how tough women have it juggling work and home life. But the final conclusion actually rests the onus on men to change, and it is made clear that for all the hard work women and feminism have put in to changing themselves and society, men have languished and it is now up to them to evolve so that both sides of the equation are in harmony. Crabb is a great writer so it was an enjoyable read, and it seems well-researched, I think I've seen a fair few of the studies reproduced since. Overall very interesting historical look at modern day gender politics. Of course, one thing to note is that the wife drought refers to a lack of wives for women, and so this book doesn't really look at alternative families (polyamory, childless couples, and who knows what the future holds).

lente_88's review against another edition

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funny informative inspiring

4.25

The first feminist book I read. I found it very insightful, although I did sometimes wonder how applicable it was to where I live (the Netherlands) - most of the data is from Australia and the USA. 
However, the made me realise there was much more to be uncovered, and was the first step into my new life as a full fledged feminist. 

zoylicious's review against another edition

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challenging funny informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

nicmacc's review against another edition

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4.0

fascinating! Enjoyed this study of "wives"

sabrinaaa720's review against another edition

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4.0

Great read. Some parts felt a bit too long or tangential but the balanced view, structure and anecdotes made the content enjoyable.

tazzle_dazzle's review against another edition

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5.0

brilliant. smart, in-depth and doesn't shy away from the tender parts of the discussion.

ms_dzt's review against another edition

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5.0

I honestly cannot give this book any higher praise. Annabel's book, the wife drought, is meticulously researched and unpacks the issues surrounding the share of domestic work, work life balance, and the general helpfulness of 'wives' so brilliantly. It is also done with her laugh out loud inducing humour that makes reading it on public transport embarrassing.

The women of Australia thank you, Annabel, and I'm sure the men will get around to it too eventually.

desterman's review against another edition

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4.0

An interesting and accessible examination of the history of domestic life, workplace legislation and culture, and the changing role of men and women in Australian society. Crabb argues that everyone needs a wife and that the increasing mythical "having it all" mentality is creating stress and unhappiness for men and women alike. In this sense then, in order to achieve equality in both the domestic and workplace sphere, men and women need to do a better job of supporting each other - as women lean in more, men also have to lean out further.