Reviews

The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer, Rebecca Lowman

skoochagian's review against another edition

3.0

I definitely enjoyed the themes of this story and the complications that come from college and beyond. I was sort of disappointed with the ending and the lack of a resolution, and the chapter lengths made it feel like a long process to read. Besides that it was a thorough enjoyment!

georgiagm's review against another edition

sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kc_sears's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

jayelpr's review against another edition

2.0

This book dragged on in parts. I enjoyed some of the smaller nuances and storylines, but was not grabbed by the plot (or lack thereof?). The ending kind of fizzled out; was expecting a bit more!

kallmekirby's review against another edition

3.0

It was interesting & thought provoking; an easy read reminding us why intersectional feminism is important (this book lacked it & that was my main issue). I wish there had been more diversity! Overall, it was good & I enjoyed my reading experience.

ibergill's review against another edition

4.5

The first half of this novel was my favorite, and then there was a section in the middle that didn't do it for me as much, but I felt the ending pulled it all back together. This is a novel full of flawed, imperfect characters who know they are imperfect and who still try to help the world. It didn't feel like a nearly 500 page book at all, and I really enjoyed reading it. I've really enjoyed the Meg Wolitzer books that I've read. 

bookph1le's review against another edition

3.0

I have mixed feelings about this book. I thought the characters were so well done and so complex, and I really liked what Wolitzer had to say about feminism. The book considers it from so many angles and doesn't try to downplay the intricacies of modern feminism, and what a thorny topic it can be. I also really liked the portrayal of the relationships between Zee and Greer and between Greer and Cory.

My real problem with this book, though, is that it doesn't feel like a novel to me so much as a bunch of knitted-together short stories. I didn't get a sense of an overarching plot or that the characters were moving toward anything. I have no problem with novels that are concerned mostly with being character studies, but while I did enjoy the characters in this book, something about it was incomplete to me. Maybe it was because it felt lacking in an overarching story to me, which made me feel more like I was reading a bunch of character portraits than a cohesive story. Whatever it was, while I did like this novel and admired the writing, I can't help but feel kind of lukewarm about it.

smfrazer's review against another edition

3.0

I think it was overhyped. Too long, too many character POV. It was fine overall.

hispoetry's review against another edition

4.0

This book really captivated me. I enjoyed her writing style immensely!

barsen's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5