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bookynooknook's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
vg2's review against another edition
3.0
The first half of this book was very compelling - a sad, yet not unrealistic, attempt to reconcile a desire to be successful, educated and independent with an ever-creeping need to feel attractive and wanted by others. Our protagonist, Sasha, is intelligent, capable and full of dreams; her era ( the book is set primarily between the 1950s - 1970s, and was published in the 70s), location and formative influences collude to inform her, at every turn, that she cannot fulfil these and have the family she also eventually wants. Her life is divided into two self-and society-imposed sections: ‘before thirty’ and ‘after thirty’ and all her decisions are based around this cut-off. Sasha recognises the ridiculousness of her situation - in many ways, she is fierce and bold in her youth - but struggles to break free from societal norms.
The second half was not quite as strong, particularly the final 30 or so pages - whilst I appreciate how the story reflects Sasha’s mental state and her deflection of her circumstances, it felt too rushed and not as fully explored as I would have liked.
Overall, an enjoyable read, and one that I am not surprised sparked some controversy in the 1970s, despite containing nothing actually controversial today.
The second half was not quite as strong, particularly the final 30 or so pages - whilst I appreciate how the story reflects Sasha’s mental state and her deflection of her circumstances, it felt too rushed and not as fully explored as I would have liked.
Overall, an enjoyable read, and one that I am not surprised sparked some controversy in the 1970s, despite containing nothing actually controversial today.
zefrog's review against another edition
3.0
Memoirs of an Ex-Prom Queen is apparently a feminist classic but I find it hard to believe that women reading it would feel inspired by it.
Yes, the book and engrossing and superbly written, but what is essentially a Bildungsroman comes with very little growth for the main character.
Sasha Davis is clever and educated but despite this, some travelling, and numerous experiences, she is not able to free herself from the misogynistic and patriarchal bullshit she has internalised from a very early age. She is and remains a product of her time.
Davis is also very self-centred (she tells very little of the circumstances of the people around her), a master at self-delusion, and despite her protestations to the contrary, she is both feckless and rudderless, making for a not altogether pleasant and likeable character.
So perhaps it is a feeling of recognition of all the unfairness and humiliations doled out by men that turned this book into a favourite for so many women, in addition to being a good read despite everything.
Yes, the book and engrossing and superbly written, but what is essentially a Bildungsroman comes with very little growth for the main character.
Sasha Davis is clever and educated but despite this, some travelling, and numerous experiences, she is not able to free herself from the misogynistic and patriarchal bullshit she has internalised from a very early age. She is and remains a product of her time.
Davis is also very self-centred (she tells very little of the circumstances of the people around her), a master at self-delusion, and despite her protestations to the contrary, she is both feckless and rudderless, making for a not altogether pleasant and likeable character.
So perhaps it is a feeling of recognition of all the unfairness and humiliations doled out by men that turned this book into a favourite for so many women, in addition to being a good read despite everything.
amoeba_reading's review against another edition
2.0
DNF. I read 55% but I just can't force myself to keep reading. Maybe I will enjoy it in the future, but right now I haven't felt attached to the story or the main character. I don't understand the timeline either.
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