A review by dixiet
Spinster: Making a Life of One's Own by Kate Bolick

3.0

This book is full of interesting information about the author's "awakeners," five writers spanning a period from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, not all technically spinsters, but all feminists unimpressed with the institution of marriage. I enjoyed their biographical information but was less enchanted with the author's own story. Though technically a spinster herself, far too much of the book was given over to many tales of lovers, boyfriends, and would-be husbands. I was put off increasingly as the book went on and the author made numerous references to her addiction to dating, including the implication that a potential date waited virtually everywhere she went. I actually flipped to the back cover to see what the woman looked like who turned heads so constantly -- no photo available. In all honesty it felt a bit forced and put on -- and truly unnecessary to the story I thought she was trying to tell. I also thought it was interesting that all of her "awakeners" were sought-after by men, sometimes by women as well, and portrayed as fascinating women or beautiful women or both.
In the end, I really have no idea what she thinks about being a spinster. The story seemed frayed by the end and trailed off without ever making the grand point that I thought was surely coming, after all these stories of spinsters through the ages and the self-examination (such as it was) of her own life. I'm not sorry I read this book but I ended up disappointed, and with no greater insight into myself (a 57-year-old "spinster") than when I began.