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abaird's review against another edition
I appreciate why this book was groundbreaking at the time it was written. That does not redeem it. The main character is childish and spoiled throughout the entire book, with forays into blatant and unapologetic racism (her self-described "phobia of Arabs"). It gets an extra star only because of its historical significance, but I couldn't recommend it to anyone.
hnethery's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
roxalyn's review against another edition
5.0
Jong wrote this feminist novel because she was sick of women's narratives beyond told or defined by men. It was shocking and scandalous when it came out in 1973. In 2019 it's still incredibly insightful and relavent, despite it's flaws.
jrc2011's review against another edition
5.0
This book is HILARIOUS - it's sort of like a more self-conscious, likeable version of Henry Miller's protagonist in "Tropic of Cancer" -- but actually FUNNY. She also makes a lot of great observations about relationships, finding your voice, parenting, men and women, and more things that I didn't jot down. Really enjoyable as an audio book - highly recommended!
artemismatchalatte's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ilaiza_aviles's review against another edition
3.0
Isadora’s point of view and perspective were interesting, especially her coming of age journey. I didn’t like the back and forth through time. I lost interest at times and wished her story was told in a linear time line.
opalskies's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book at the age of 14, which is probably why parts of it are emblazoned on my memory. Years later I remember the passage in which the protagonist (based on Jong) is in Paris, estranged from her husband, cold, and without much money when - her period starts. Somehow she procures sanitary products and hot chocolate, and sitting and sipping the warm liquid feels "everything will be fine." Except nothing has actually changed - yet. The idea that things can provide a false sense of comfort has come back to me when I've been in similar situations.
carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
3.0
2018 Reading Challenge- Read a book with a plot centered around a secret
Well, I can see how at the time of publishing this was a groundbreaking book. So for that alone, I have to give this props for saying what women were thinking and bringing up a feminist conversation. This book hasn't aged very well, unfortunately. I felt the themes in this book were overly dramatic and I didn't really enjoy any of the characters. I didn't hate this book at all but I also felt like I was missing something- like some real feminist inspiration was passing right over my head. I'm glad I read this for the history lesson but I didn't really get much from it.
Well, I can see how at the time of publishing this was a groundbreaking book. So for that alone, I have to give this props for saying what women were thinking and bringing up a feminist conversation. This book hasn't aged very well, unfortunately. I felt the themes in this book were overly dramatic and I didn't really enjoy any of the characters. I didn't hate this book at all but I also felt like I was missing something- like some real feminist inspiration was passing right over my head. I'm glad I read this for the history lesson but I didn't really get much from it.