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A review by oliviak07
House of Women by Sophie Goldstein
4.0
If Sophie Goldstein's "House of Women" was a pulp science fiction novel in the 1960's and 1970's it would have absolutely become a B-rated or C-rated horror film that aired after 11 pm on your black and white TV. It could also appear in an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
In terms of plot, I would give the graphic novel a three, but for illustrations it is a solid five stars. Like many, it was the cover and pages that caught my attention, and my interest in science fiction and the potential of psychosexual themes that caused me to give it a shot.
It was interesting to see the outcome for the four types of women in literature (for lack of better terms mother, crone, seductress, and heroine). Their fates made sense in certain ways given their portrayal in the history of art and literature, but there could have been a little more to make it creative and out of this world different/unexpected.
Also, it is not science fiction that in educating and 'improving' the lives of young girls and women in this world, or another planet, in a patriarchal society holds danger. There is not an universal method to eliminate the tension and empower the women of the world, which can be a positive and a negative. With time, and actual conversation, this will continue to change. (Note: I will reflect on this observation and edit this paragraph at a later time).
I know many are not 100% fans of this book, and that is fair. However, I liked it and look forward to more work from Goldstein.
In terms of plot, I would give the graphic novel a three, but for illustrations it is a solid five stars. Like many, it was the cover and pages that caught my attention, and my interest in science fiction and the potential of psychosexual themes that caused me to give it a shot.
It was interesting to see the outcome for the four types of women in literature (for lack of better terms mother, crone, seductress, and heroine). Their fates made sense in certain ways given their portrayal in the history of art and literature, but there could have been a little more to make it creative and out of this world different/unexpected.
Also, it is not science fiction that in educating and 'improving' the lives of young girls and women in this world, or another planet, in a patriarchal society holds danger. There is not an universal method to eliminate the tension and empower the women of the world, which can be a positive and a negative. With time, and actual conversation, this will continue to change. (Note: I will reflect on this observation and edit this paragraph at a later time).
I know many are not 100% fans of this book, and that is fair. However, I liked it and look forward to more work from Goldstein.