rachele_ch's reviews
17 reviews

The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono

hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

The Copenhagen Trilogy: Childhood; Youth; Dependency by Tove Ditlevsen

challenging dark sad slow-paced

Je ne noterai pas ce livre car bien que je puisse lui reconnaître toutes les qualités qui le rendent si aimé par tous, pour ma part cette lecture a été extrêmement difficile. Ce livre m'a laissée déprimée et anxieuse comme jamais un livre ne m'avait rendue auparavant et je n'attendais que de le finir. C'est maintenant chose faite et j'espère que ma prochaine lecture sera bien plus légère. 

Les Mots by Jean-Paul Sartre

challenging reflective slow-paced

3.25

Les mandarins I by Simone de Beauvoir

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Mr Salary by Sally Rooney

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

Averno by Louise Glück

emotional mysterious fast-paced

4.0

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

This review will focus on its first part (the book is published in two parts in France), I will update when I read the second and final part.

Summary: In her seminal work "The Second Sex," Simone de Beauvoir delves into the profound question of why women have historically been relegated to an inferior position in society compared to men. Through meticulous examination, she unravels the intricate web of factors that have cast women as the 'Other' in relation to men—factors ranging from natural and historical realities to societal norms and prevailing myths. As a cornerstone of feminist thought and a French literary classic, this book had been on my reading list for quite some time. Uncertain about what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and richness it offered.

De Beauvoir's exploration is steeped in historical and cultural references that were largely unfamiliar to me. While some aspects of the analysis may be somewhat outdated, the insights remain remarkably relevant, particularly from a historical perspective. Here's what stood out to me in my reading:

I liked that: 

1. Each section felt like a fresh perspective on the subject, keeping the exploration engaging and thought-provoking.
2. The historical recontextualization of women's roles across societies, though very Eurocentric, shed light on distinctions and changes throughout different eras I wasn't aware of before. 
3. De Beauvoir's distinctive personality shines through her writing, adding a personal touch that makes her arguments and insights even more impactful.

I liked less: the final section on myths, which involves an in-depth study of various authors' perceptions of women. As someone not well-acquainted with all of these authors, I struggled to connect with this part.

New books I have added to To-read pile following this reading:

1. Stendhal: De Beauvoir's highlighting of Stendhal as one of the few authors who depict feminist characters deeply rooted in reality, rather than myth, piqued my interest.
2. De Beauvoir's own work, "Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter," as a means to delve into her life and perspectives.
3. Sartre: Recognizing his profound philosophical influence throughout the book, I'm curious to explore more of his writings.

In addition to my reading discoveries, I would also recommend the Radio France podcast titled "Simone de Beauvoir: The Journey of a Dutiful Daughter" (in French) to those interested in delving further into her life and ideas. Overall, "The Second Sex" is a compelling exploration of the historical and societal forces that have shaped women's roles, identities, and struggles—a timeless work that has left a lasting impression on me.