Fran’s review of Nesting > Likes and Comments

A lot of men are brought up to be domineering and controlling of their female partners. And women including myself were brought up to understand that the man has rights and authority that the Second Sex - don't have. My mother encouraged my brothers to eat second and third helpings of pud - when I wanted the same I was shamed. "They're growing boys - you don't want to be fat do you?" It's insidious in our patriarchal culture. Fight it - read everything you can - and question every behaviour you feel is wrong or injust. Question everything you've been induced into thinking is The Norm - it isn't.

Laura wrote: "A lot of men are brought up to be domineering and controlling of their female partners. And women including myself were brought up to understand that the man has rights and authority that the Secon..."

Thanks for your thoughts, Laura. THere's so much truth and pain in what you say. (Your story about second helpings also brings in "traditional" sexism about women's looks, and the physical as well as psychological damage that social pressure to be thin has done to so many girls and women. Decades later, I still haven't fully recovered from my teenage anorexia.) I'm so glad that books like this one are being written.

Same, Fran…. I also had to many times step away..
Excellent review!

Thanks, Karen. Such a powerful book!

I’m so sorry you had to go through a similar traumatic experience. The novel seems brilliant but I’m not sure I’m feeling good enough to read it!

Thank you, Maelys, and I hope you feel good soon, yourself. (Even if you never read this book; it isn't an easy read.)

I’m glad you found this a powerful read too - though I’m sorry to read that it resonated on a personal level. It is such an eye opener.

Thanks, Christy. I guess the good news is that we can survive.

Sorry you had to live through such bad experience. You are strong and brave to find your way out.

Thank you, Gily. I'm glad there are novels like this that may help women (and the people around them) realize: It's not their fault. And they are not alone.

Intriguing, nuanced review. Sorry to hear of your bad experience. It seems to have made you stronger as a writer and a critic.