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avsharp's review against another edition
5.0
This book does a brilliant job of looking at feminism with a critical eye, by inviting us to learn about the complex people who championed it and what their efforts achieved. It does not airbrush away the flaws or ignore the uncomfortable sides of the movement, or those who drove it forward.
The way the book is structured - looking at 11 different spheres of life influenced by the struggle of women to improve them (divorce, education, love, sex, safety, etc) - is beautifully done, and I learned a great deal about issues, laws, and individuals throughout history of which I'd previously been ignorant, or had only heard a simplified version.
Lewis writes in an accomplished yet human way, laughing at the ridiculous, but underlining the serious. Her work seems to be well-researched and she leaves room for the contrasting voices of different people, acknowledging controversial issues and trying to examine them through the subjective views and experiences of others before adding her own opinions.
Whatever you think of feminism, feminists, or the state of gender equality, anyone can enjoy and learn from this book. It's important to remember that quiet and compliant people do not achieve positive change, and that as difficult as society likes to paint them, the women in this book made ripples and waves from which many of us - regardless of gender - benefit today.
The way the book is structured - looking at 11 different spheres of life influenced by the struggle of women to improve them (divorce, education, love, sex, safety, etc) - is beautifully done, and I learned a great deal about issues, laws, and individuals throughout history of which I'd previously been ignorant, or had only heard a simplified version.
Lewis writes in an accomplished yet human way, laughing at the ridiculous, but underlining the serious. Her work seems to be well-researched and she leaves room for the contrasting voices of different people, acknowledging controversial issues and trying to examine them through the subjective views and experiences of others before adding her own opinions.
Whatever you think of feminism, feminists, or the state of gender equality, anyone can enjoy and learn from this book. It's important to remember that quiet and compliant people do not achieve positive change, and that as difficult as society likes to paint them, the women in this book made ripples and waves from which many of us - regardless of gender - benefit today.
sophieannereid's review against another edition
4.0
Difficult Women is a well researched
introduction to feminism and some of the interesting women who have been involved in the fight for equality.
The book is divided into 11 chapters, each one exploring an issue in feminism and focusing on a handful of the key women involved. Some of the women are generally well known whilst others were certainly new to me. Lewis does well to walk the line between celebrating them while also mentioning their flaws and critically discussing their approaches. It was particularly insightful to hear from the women themselves, on several occasions Lewis has made contact with those surviving and reports on their own reflections. As most people are, these women are complex and this book reflects that.
There are limitations to this book but feminism is so wide reaching and complex that it’s difficult to condense it into one book. ‘Difficult Women’ is very UK-centric and while they’re mentioned, race and gender identity don’t play a large part. Lewis at least recognises these shortfalls at the start of the book. These issues are also mentioned throughout the book and not just forgotten and Lewis may not be best placed to discuss them anyway. Overall, the book is structured well with the 11 chosen issues covering plenty of ground. It also remains very accessible and engaging throughout which is essential for ensuring it reaches as many people as possible.
I listened to the audiobook which was read by the author herself. This worked well as the Lewis includes plenty of her own thoughts and experiences.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
introduction to feminism and some of the interesting women who have been involved in the fight for equality.
The book is divided into 11 chapters, each one exploring an issue in feminism and focusing on a handful of the key women involved. Some of the women are generally well known whilst others were certainly new to me. Lewis does well to walk the line between celebrating them while also mentioning their flaws and critically discussing their approaches. It was particularly insightful to hear from the women themselves, on several occasions Lewis has made contact with those surviving and reports on their own reflections. As most people are, these women are complex and this book reflects that.
There are limitations to this book but feminism is so wide reaching and complex that it’s difficult to condense it into one book. ‘Difficult Women’ is very UK-centric and while they’re mentioned, race and gender identity don’t play a large part. Lewis at least recognises these shortfalls at the start of the book. These issues are also mentioned throughout the book and not just forgotten and Lewis may not be best placed to discuss them anyway. Overall, the book is structured well with the 11 chosen issues covering plenty of ground. It also remains very accessible and engaging throughout which is essential for ensuring it reaches as many people as possible.
I listened to the audiobook which was read by the author herself. This worked well as the Lewis includes plenty of her own thoughts and experiences.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful insight on great female figures in history and I say great because it covers so many largely unknown and uncovered (in books) women. It’s so interesting and educational even to someone who reads a lot of feminist histories. An inspiring book, one that shows is how much further we still have to go, but how far we have come too. Books like this are needed to remind people and encourage the fight onwards.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
alattereading's review against another edition
4.0
While I’ve always considered myself an advocate for feminism (seeking female mentors to build an ethos in life and work promoting standards of equality) I’ve never formally studied feminism. “Difficult Women: Feminism in 11 Fights” provided the necessary “buckle up” moment with a deep dive across 11 topics highlighting lesser known pioneers. It’s packed with historical and statistical information solidified through insights and interviews provided by the author.
Helen Lewis did a fantastic job in providing a diversity of thought and approach across feminist heroes rising to the challenge divided by topic/cause in each chapter. I appreciated how She covered so much ground in an informative and engaging manner!
While I didn’t agree with every point made, reading this book allowed me an opportunity to pour a strong cup of coffee and form an individual opinion - a luxury not given for many in this book. Lewis states near the end that there will be many areas in which we may find ourselves at odds intellectually or ethically with one another, nevertheless we must engage and seek justice where injustice lives.
I recommend this book for those wanting an overview of feminism, but as a heads up, it does focus more primarily on the UK area. The good news is that the concepts and approach can be applied globally.
4.5/5
Helen Lewis did a fantastic job in providing a diversity of thought and approach across feminist heroes rising to the challenge divided by topic/cause in each chapter. I appreciated how She covered so much ground in an informative and engaging manner!
While I didn’t agree with every point made, reading this book allowed me an opportunity to pour a strong cup of coffee and form an individual opinion - a luxury not given for many in this book. Lewis states near the end that there will be many areas in which we may find ourselves at odds intellectually or ethically with one another, nevertheless we must engage and seek justice where injustice lives.
I recommend this book for those wanting an overview of feminism, but as a heads up, it does focus more primarily on the UK area. The good news is that the concepts and approach can be applied globally.
4.5/5
fourspec's review against another edition
3.0
Not a bad book or take on feminism, just that some of the opinions on gender are ones I personally disagree with
capacitorofflux's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5