Reviews

The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer

morganbarthen's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

I really enjoyed this book. Meg is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. An important piece of feminist literature. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abortion

maddyse20's review

2.0

What a lot of words to say ... almost nothing, really. I think even if I'd read this in 2018 I would have been underwhelmed by this specific brand of feminism. Almost all of the primary characters are white (the only non-white primary character is the most interesting, and the least heard from), and any supporting characters who are POCs tend to appear for a moment to further the plot or a White character's learning, and then are shelved in the background. Plot meanders around and is so self-absorbed that it forgets to actually do anything.

jrjernigan's review

2.0

i gained nothing from reading this book. i did not like the constantly changing timeline because sometimes i just didn’t know when and where i was. i just don’t really understand what this was meant to accomplish. it felt like there was no plot. also, a lot of the ideas and the way it discussed feminism felt forced and a bit disingenuous

shelbywilson's review against another edition

5.0

Oh I liked this

thegeneral316's review

emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

calla91's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

casebounder's review against another edition

4.0

Have you guys heard of The Female Persuasion? Seen it around a couple times this year? I forgot to really post my thoughts about it. Wolitzer’s newest is my second to read, and I did find similarities in structure and feel to The Interestings (which is a good thing if you ask me!). I really enjoyed the themes of mentorship and idolatry, friendship and loyalty, purpose, and of course feminism. Wolitzer’s writing can really draw me in and get me lost - although I did feel that more with The Interestings, which is my favorite of the two. Have you read any others? I think I’ll tackle The Wife next.

morganstarks's review against another edition

emotional hopeful 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? No

2.75

ryleeberger's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

3.5

alexandrabrooks's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25