Reviews

A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft

lu2cy_i's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

marieexplores's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a difficult read for me. While I know Wollenstonecraft was a revolutionary in her time, inspiring the works of Austen, her daughter Mary Shelley, and so many others, the constant proclamation of "the weaker sex" and the racist language throughout challenged me. I cannot express how many times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room in frustration. I understand that she is a product of her culture and time: I would never contest the radical nature of her philosophy given her context. But if I heard people referred to as Barbarians, exotics, or "members of the weaker sex" one more time, I was going to scream.

Bottom line: pivotal read given the historical context. Had to suppress my up-chuck reflex given my context.

ermunleybooks's review against another edition

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3.0

I like this book more for its message and impact on modern/period society than I do for the writing itself. Though the writing can be hard to follow at time, simply because of the period style, the ideas therein are phenomenal! Everyone should read this book, or at least bits of it, at some point in their life.

Message would get 5 stars, but, because the style is a bit difficult for some, I only give it 3 stars

colorfulleo92's review against another edition

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4.0

Written in 1792 Mary Wollstonecraft work is one of the first feminist writings and very much ahead of its time. It was an very interesting read and it give me a glimps on how life looked for women at the time.

cccookieedoughh's review against another edition

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4.0

if i disregard the fact that its lowkey a mess, im just a wee bit in love with her myself. mary wollstonecraft would probably slap me if i called her cunning but thats entirely what she is. i literally cannot get enough of her backhanded ass compliments to talleyrand and just her sarcasm through the entire essay felt almost satire, but also also she kind of weaved her arguments not through an “equality” lense but through a ““allowing” women this will benefit you more than us tbh” very slay very slay indeed, although it was terrible to try and get through. istg i had to look up every other word, also reading these type of books when you arent forced to read them, like in school or whatever, makes them so much more interesting

heeniee's review against another edition

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3.0

she wanted to rant and that's what she did.

giuliakyj's review against another edition

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4.0

The historical context in which the Vindication was written cannot be ignored when reading the book. Mary Wollstonecraft herself, even if she had revolutionary thoughts for that time, unconsciously was highly influenced by a patriarchal society and many times the contemporary reader might disagree with her. Still, women's emancipation and education are two essential elements upon which her arguments are based.
To be written at the end of the 18th century, I find it brilliant and provocative, a fair (again, considering the historial period) critique of society. However, I think this shouldn't be the first reading for someone who wants to approach feminism; the topic should be studied from contemporary sources first, to have the means to identify the Vindication's weaknesses and mistakes.
It is also very interesting to see how feminism emerged and trace how it developed over the centuries.

Mary Wollstonecraft is a person I'd love to have a coffee with while talking about feminism. She gave me the feeling of being a clever and open-minded person who would gladly listen to your arguments to learn more about feminism, even if they are in contrast with her ideas. This is, at least, how it felt reading the Vindication.

caltho's review against another edition

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i will have to reread, mmm
(also it does not take me this long to read it i was busy man)

luca_looselyreads's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

izumisano's review against another edition

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blah blah blah. people talk too much in the 1700s.