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charley0796's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
It could definitely be 200 pages shorter. Overall, a very interesting book but too long and a bit repetitive.
I didn’t spot any of the mistakes mentioned in other reviews but agree it’s more of an academic text.
I didn’t spot any of the mistakes mentioned in other reviews but agree it’s more of an academic text.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexism, and Sexual violence
clairewilsonleeds's review against another edition
2.0
Poorly written and quite dull. Whoever edited this book needs firing as the paragraphing and sentence structure is mad. I read the whole thing though and there were a couple of interesting insights - probably could have done with being 200 pages shorter.
Edit: also just read some of the other reviews detailing all the misquotes and false narratives. Such an important topic deserved better :(
Edit: also just read some of the other reviews detailing all the misquotes and false narratives. Such an important topic deserved better :(
_lost_in_wonderland_'s review against another edition
2.0
tw sa
This has really important messages in it, and should be required reading for anyone working in rape centres, sexual violence services, psychology, the criminal justice system, etc. I'd like to disagree with one or two points - firstly, Dr Jessica Taylor says that 'I have written it to be accessible to as many people as possible and I have refrained from writing a traditional academic textbook based on my findings.' Unfortunately, I'm not sure if the book is as accessible or easy to digest and pick up as it was supposed to be, the beginning was extremely effective, and so were the sections of interviews with women who had been blamed for being subjected to male violence, and the interviews with professionals working in SA services. However, the presentation of data and statistics, though deeply important, is not going to reach people who aren't purposefully seeking out information on feminist topics. It's still definitely written in a scientific, heavy way, with a lot of repetition - not for the general public's consumption, which is a pity, because the more people that literature like this reaches, the better. I also believe it was a harmful choice to use the UK Sexual Offences Act (2003) definition of rape in the glossary at the beginning of the book, as rape is defined as 'an act by a man who intentionally penetrates the vaina, mouth or anus with a penis when the other person does not consent. Whilst anyone can be raped, only men can commit rape with a penis.' I think it's obvious why the defnition is harmful, and obviously Dr Taylor doesn't have control over what's in the law, but she does have control over what is being published in her book, and what definition she chooses to use, highlight and emphasise as the 'correct' definition. Anyone can rape, and highlighting this definition erases the lived experiences of those whose rapists were women, or didn't have a penis, or sexually assaulted them without penetrative acts. There's also a terf dogwhistle about 'denial of sex' on page 7, which is unfortunate.
This has really important messages in it, and should be required reading for anyone working in rape centres, sexual violence services, psychology, the criminal justice system, etc. I'd like to disagree with one or two points - firstly, Dr Jessica Taylor says that 'I have written it to be accessible to as many people as possible and I have refrained from writing a traditional academic textbook based on my findings.' Unfortunately, I'm not sure if the book is as accessible or easy to digest and pick up as it was supposed to be, the beginning was extremely effective, and so were the sections of interviews with women who had been blamed for being subjected to male violence, and the interviews with professionals working in SA services. However, the presentation of data and statistics, though deeply important, is not going to reach people who aren't purposefully seeking out information on feminist topics. It's still definitely written in a scientific, heavy way, with a lot of repetition - not for the general public's consumption, which is a pity, because the more people that literature like this reaches, the better. I also believe it was a harmful choice to use the UK Sexual Offences Act (2003) definition of rape in the glossary at the beginning of the book, as rape is defined as 'an act by a man who intentionally penetrates the vaina, mouth or anus with a penis when the other person does not consent. Whilst anyone can be raped, only men can commit rape with a penis.' I think it's obvious why the defnition is harmful, and obviously Dr Taylor doesn't have control over what's in the law, but she does have control over what is being published in her book, and what definition she chooses to use, highlight and emphasise as the 'correct' definition. Anyone can rape, and highlighting this definition erases the lived experiences of those whose rapists were women, or didn't have a penis, or sexually assaulted them without penetrative acts. There's also a terf dogwhistle about 'denial of sex' on page 7, which is unfortunate.
ammmiiiii's review against another edition
3.0
A brilliant book, that thoroughly explores the misogyny and victim-blaming steeped in our culture and society.
The book is, however, let down by the prolific grammar, punctuation, language, and formatting errors. There were numerous spelling mistakes, missing brackets, errant commas, etc.
Nevertheless, an important book that will hopefully champion significant change in policy, healthcare, and society as a whole.
The book is, however, let down by the prolific grammar, punctuation, language, and formatting errors. There were numerous spelling mistakes, missing brackets, errant commas, etc.
Nevertheless, an important book that will hopefully champion significant change in policy, healthcare, and society as a whole.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
"Where we may have historically said that a woman is 'to blame' for being raped or abused, we are now more likely to talk about all of the ways she should take responsibility for her own safety."
Dr. Jessica Taylor's insights are invaluable for this generation's feminists. Though sometimes repetitive at points, it is this repetition that drives various points home: victim blaming myths are dichotomous so that women are not successful regardless of how "well" or "poorly" they are perceived, and it is their un-success that 'proves' to men that women have failed in protecting themselves. Through research performed across England's civilians as well as police officers, Taylor begins to paint a picture of how modern-day victim blaming permeates our beliefs about ourselves and others.
This is definitely recommended reading, especially for the young feminist who has found a passion for standing up and learning
Dr. Jessica Taylor's insights are invaluable for this generation's feminists. Though sometimes repetitive at points, it is this repetition that drives various points home: victim blaming myths are dichotomous so that women are not successful regardless of how "well" or "poorly" they are perceived, and it is their un-success that 'proves' to men that women have failed in protecting themselves. Through research performed across England's civilians as well as police officers, Taylor begins to paint a picture of how modern-day victim blaming permeates our beliefs about ourselves and others.
This is definitely recommended reading, especially for the young feminist who has found a passion for standing up and learning
anotheranxiousace's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
catgood's review against another edition
I’ve had this on my list for a few years and I was excited to finally get to reading it. However, after reading several of the reviews that came with receipts about incorrect citations and quotes, as well as statements that the author’s research has not been peer reviewed, I’ve chosen to not read it. I think it would be irresponsible to read the book knowing that some of the information is inaccurate. I’m disappointed and hope I can find another book on the topic to read.
jojo4343's review against another edition
2.0
I had really high hopes for this book but it was a hard read, not because of the subject but because it seemed to be the same repetitive thing every page. I struggled to read it and get through it. I just didn't gain anything really from it.