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A review by lucyduller
Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
The book does feel a little bit ironic, which Given herself acknowledges; she talks about privilege and cultural appropriation while using arguments and ideas she has learnt from Black women. Yet she herself is a white woman. I don't know, it feels like profiting from her privilege and taking advantage?
Some of the points she made were excellent. Some of them, I didn't agree with. I think if you were to use this book as a bible you would actually end up with no friends or support network at all as it feels like the answer to everything is CUT THEM OUT OF YOUR LIFE! YASSS!
But some things are more complicated than that and I do think isolating yourself from everyone isn't the answer. I also didn't realise how young Florence Given was! She's 21, and to be a published author? Wow, that's commendable. Her illustrations are fantastic and inclusive too. I think I would have preferred a book of her illustrations than the preachy explanations and suggestions she provides. However, I think it would be a great introduction to feminist writing for women who maybe don't consider themselves feminists.
And the ending is really beautiful, brought a tear to my eye.
Some of the points she made were excellent. Some of them, I didn't agree with. I think if you were to use this book as a bible you would actually end up with no friends or support network at all as it feels like the answer to everything is CUT THEM OUT OF YOUR LIFE! YASSS!
But some things are more complicated than that and I do think isolating yourself from everyone isn't the answer. I also didn't realise how young Florence Given was! She's 21, and to be a published author? Wow, that's commendable. Her illustrations are fantastic and inclusive too. I think I would have preferred a book of her illustrations than the preachy explanations and suggestions she provides. However, I think it would be a great introduction to feminist writing for women who maybe don't consider themselves feminists.
And the ending is really beautiful, brought a tear to my eye.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Transphobia, Racism, Homophobia, and Sexism
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault