Letters from a Fainthearted Feminist and More from Martha

by Jill Tweedie

These wickedly funny and now classic letters between Martha and her younger, and more liberated sister, Mary, were the inspired creation of Jill Tweedie. They brilliantly reflect the gap in many enlightened women's lives between theory and their day-to-day practice. 'The only published book I know which manages to be howlingly funny about the women's movement without a shred of spite or cruelty.

Genres: Humor, Feminism, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2003

About the author

Jill Tweedie was born in Egypt in 1936. One of the foremost women involved in the British feminist movement, she worked for many years as a columnist on The Guardian where her writing with its warmth, wit and emotional honesty spoke to thousands of women. She wrote regularly for newspapers and magazines and was twice made Woman Journalist of the Year.

Reviews

[Sally McRogerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a book of it's time but it's also my time and I was delighted by it! Something in every letter made me smile, if not laugh aloud. If you ever considered yourself part of the feminist movement (and have a sense of humour) this is definitely worth a few hours.

[Camille · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess the book is representative of its time and context, but as a 21 year-old in 2018, I didn't find it all that funny.

[Sho · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked to dip in and out of this, but not so much that I could be bothered going back and finishing it all.

Maybe some other time.

I think I'd prefer to read some of Tweedie's more serious social comment.

[Ms Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some hilarious bits, some bits are quite dated but best of all were the Women's Lib and socialist bits: Greenham Common protesters, caustic comments about Thatcher, comic deconstructions of the patriarchy and the struggles of family and domestic life.

One thing was a bit shocking: it seems in some ways we have taken a step backwards and Martha's breezy take on feminism and the rollicking world of Mary and Mo (squatters and protests) could do with a welcome return!

Yours, looking for a local socialist women's group to join.

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read overall.
Didnt understand some references as it was set back in 1980’s but it Did teach me some ideas and did maske me laugh out loud sometimes

[Freya Gordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Middle class, Daily Mail approved, nonsense. Main character is self obsessed and spends her time feeling like she's missing out because her life is so pampered, is too childish to communicate with those around her and spends all her time whining to her only friend in these letters. God only knows why her correspondent is still friends with her - she dismisses all her advice and mocks her choices in every letter.

[Jenava · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this little book. It's such an enjoyable, easy, and funny read. Martha has a fantastic sense of humor, and as a stay at home mom, one I enjoyed all the more!

[M W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very funny and very real.