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A review by sophieannereid
Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights by Helen Lewis
4.0
Difficult Women is a well researched
introduction to feminism and some of the interesting women who have been involved in the fight for equality.
The book is divided into 11 chapters, each one exploring an issue in feminism and focusing on a handful of the key women involved. Some of the women are generally well known whilst others were certainly new to me. Lewis does well to walk the line between celebrating them while also mentioning their flaws and critically discussing their approaches. It was particularly insightful to hear from the women themselves, on several occasions Lewis has made contact with those surviving and reports on their own reflections. As most people are, these women are complex and this book reflects that.
There are limitations to this book but feminism is so wide reaching and complex that it’s difficult to condense it into one book. ‘Difficult Women’ is very UK-centric and while they’re mentioned, race and gender identity don’t play a large part. Lewis at least recognises these shortfalls at the start of the book. These issues are also mentioned throughout the book and not just forgotten and Lewis may not be best placed to discuss them anyway. Overall, the book is structured well with the 11 chosen issues covering plenty of ground. It also remains very accessible and engaging throughout which is essential for ensuring it reaches as many people as possible.
I listened to the audiobook which was read by the author herself. This worked well as the Lewis includes plenty of her own thoughts and experiences.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
introduction to feminism and some of the interesting women who have been involved in the fight for equality.
The book is divided into 11 chapters, each one exploring an issue in feminism and focusing on a handful of the key women involved. Some of the women are generally well known whilst others were certainly new to me. Lewis does well to walk the line between celebrating them while also mentioning their flaws and critically discussing their approaches. It was particularly insightful to hear from the women themselves, on several occasions Lewis has made contact with those surviving and reports on their own reflections. As most people are, these women are complex and this book reflects that.
There are limitations to this book but feminism is so wide reaching and complex that it’s difficult to condense it into one book. ‘Difficult Women’ is very UK-centric and while they’re mentioned, race and gender identity don’t play a large part. Lewis at least recognises these shortfalls at the start of the book. These issues are also mentioned throughout the book and not just forgotten and Lewis may not be best placed to discuss them anyway. Overall, the book is structured well with the 11 chosen issues covering plenty of ground. It also remains very accessible and engaging throughout which is essential for ensuring it reaches as many people as possible.
I listened to the audiobook which was read by the author herself. This worked well as the Lewis includes plenty of her own thoughts and experiences.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.