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A review by andrewspink
De omwenteling. of de eeuw van de vrouw by Suzanna Jansen
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
A couple of months ago, I realised that I had never read anything about the history of emancipation or feminism in the Netherlands. I scoured the ebook catalogue of the library, but to my surprise couldn't find a single book. So I was pleasantly surprised to see De Omwenteling in this month's Bookchoice selection.
The book is well read and interesting. I wad astonished to read just how slow reform has been here compared to surrounding countries. The main culprit, according to the author, seems to have been the church(es), although she doesn't really address the question as to why that was worse here than by neighbours with equally influential religious groups.
The book is very readable because Suzanne Janssen uses her own family history as the framework, which automatically gives a narrative. However, that also gives a restricted viewpoint. It is all about the Catholic community, which makes me wonder how it was for the rest of the country. Did the Protestant churches block progressive legislation as enthustically and effectively as the bishops? There are hints given about developments in neighbouring countries but it would have been interesting to have placed the developments much more in a broader international context.
Anyway, an interesting and readable book and a timely reminder of the necessity of anchoring progressive ideas both in the constitution and in the law.
The book is well read and interesting. I wad astonished to read just how slow reform has been here compared to surrounding countries. The main culprit, according to the author, seems to have been the church(es), although she doesn't really address the question as to why that was worse here than by neighbours with equally influential religious groups.
The book is very readable because Suzanne Janssen uses her own family history as the framework, which automatically gives a narrative. However, that also gives a restricted viewpoint. It is all about the Catholic community, which makes me wonder how it was for the rest of the country. Did the Protestant churches block progressive legislation as enthustically and effectively as the bishops? There are hints given about developments in neighbouring countries but it would have been interesting to have placed the developments much more in a broader international context.
Anyway, an interesting and readable book and a timely reminder of the necessity of anchoring progressive ideas both in the constitution and in the law.