The Women's Room by Marilyn French

[MissEsmeWatson]

I read this when I was very young, (and it was almost required reading) and although I enjoyed it I think a lot of it went over my head (I hadn't given birth, for instance). My original copy is long gone, but I recently found one in a charity shop and thought I'd re-read. I'm only about half way through, but it's an eye opener - the things that have changed, and also the things that haven't. Some of it's a bit naive - every woman is more or less wonderful in it, and you only have to dip into MN a bit to see that THAT isn't true! A fascinating read though, I think. Had anyone else here read it, either originally or more recently?

Years ago! I also loved Her Mother's Daughter. I might re-read them both - thanks for the reminder of these fantastic books!

I first read it when I was about 22. (I am approaching 70). I still have my copy. I think everything she explores in that book is still relevant today. It is depressing.

At least nobody is given an enema while they're in labour these days! At least I hope not...

Same here! Thank you Op.

Anyone still reading? I was rather startled to find that my ex husband was exactly like one of the husbands in the book!

I read it years ago. I have been remembering it more recently since having kids. Especially the bit where she describes having to go and get the milk again with two unhappy small children.

As I remember the last third of the book goes a bit...OTT

I read it a long time ago and I thought it was a bit over egged. One woman described she was exhausted dripping with sweat mopping and cleaning in the early morning before the heat got too unbearable. she should have just left it till the next day. It was a bit Stepford wives I thought. The men were a bit boring and pompous but weren't demons.

Some of them were! Not the main characters though.