chandraleereads 's review for:

Cunt: A Declaration of Independence by Betty Dodson, Inga Muscio

2.0

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

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This book was a wild ride. I decided to read Cunt as my first book of 2025 because it was the book that has remained on my Goodreads TBR for the longest amount of time (12 years and some change). There were a few spots in the book where I felt like I was getting useful knowledge or information to thoughtfully ponder, but overall it just felt a bit unhinged. The author used extended metaphors A LOT and I would get lost trying to follow them. Additionally, the writing often felt contradictory (like a whole section of her using very jarring/offensive language followed by her saying who is allowed to say what words/slurs). Also - (spoiler ahead) - early in the book the author discusses her experience with using her mind/will to facilitate her own at home abortion. Maybe I am lacking in spirituality as an agnostic or maybe I’m not the “right kind” of feminist, but I honestly just COULD NOT get beyond this - it was described very graphically and without any thought for the emotional or physical trauma that could be caused to someone trying to do such a thing on their own. I support the need for someone to get an abortion, but I do NOT support the idea that someone can do this solely with their mind and the instructions listed in this book. All that said, I am very appreciative to have learned the root meaning of the word VAGINA (a sheath for a sword - - no really I double checked that!) and I am thankful for the extensive list of books, music, and movies made by women that is listed at the back of the book.