Women in Doctor Who: Damsels, Feminists and Monsters

by Valerie Estelle Frankel

Over the past half-century Doctor Who has defined science fiction television. The women in the series--from orphans and heroic mothers to seductresses and clever teachers--flourish in their roles yet rarely surmount them. Some companions rescue the Doctor and charm viewers with their technical brilliance, while others only scream for rescue. The villainesses dazzle with their cruelty, from the Rani to Cassandra and Missy. Covering all of the series--classic and new--along with Class, K9, Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures , novels, comics and Big Finish Audio adventures, this book examines the women archetypes in Doctor Who .

Genres: Doctor Who

253 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2018

About the author

Valerie Estelle Frankel is the author of 88 books on pop culture, including Doctor Who - The What, Where, and How; The Villain's Journey, History, Pop Culture, and Hidden Meanings in Hamilton; and How Game of Thrones Will End. Many of her books focus on women’s roles in fiction, from her heroine’s journey guides From Girl to Goddess and Superheroines and the Epic Journey to books like Star Wars Meets the Eras of Feminism and Fourth Wave Feminism in Science Fiction and Fantasy. She's editing a series on Jewish Science Fiction for Rowman & Littlefield. Once a lecturer at San Jose State University, she now teaches at Mission College and is a frequent speaker at conferences. Come explore her research at www.vefrankel.com.

Reviews

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting book to read, as a long-time fan of Doctor Who. I definitely agree with a lot of what the author was saying. Not everything, but a lot of it. I enjoyed reading about all the various companions, villains, and side characters throughout the Who canon. A well-done book that I am glad I read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic read! While I don't necessarily agree with everything Frankel says about some of the women of Doctor Who, that did not detract at all from what a fascinating book this was! Brilliant!