Customer Reviews

Carolyn G. Heilbrun : Feminist in a Tenured Postion (Feminist Issues (Univ Pr of Virginia))

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Carolyn Heilbrun, daughter of Jewish immigrants, vastly educated and undeniably privileged, is a woman for whom her own intellectual evolution has been informed by an increasingly complicated quest for self-realization. So open has she been about this evolution that Kress was able to come along and do this biography of her from a point of view of informed experience. This is more than a biography alone, it is an intellectual biography; the progress taken by one mind in conflict with itself, the elements of change, and more importantly, those elements which resisted that change. Familiar to every intelligent women regardless of where tenured, are the struggles against resentful masculinity, made uncomfortable in the presence of a superior female mind. Because of its length, the thorough reading of this book takes time, but even a quick perusal will reveal an intellect which spoke from a position of weariness and pain. It discussed her mentors (even the reluctantly chosen 3) and the inspirational women who affected her thoughts and ideas. It discusses the split identities women/mothers experience in a tenured position. Also explored are her ideas of androgyny, the risks she took in her rhetoric, and some interesting tid-bits gathered from friends and colleagues which opened us up to her personality and humor. Also in a "tenured position" Susan Kress gives a guided tour to Heilbrun and her considerable contributions.

I have been a complete fan of the wonderful, witty Amanda Cross mysteries since being introduced to them in the International Book Shop (Melbourne Australia) in the early 1980s. I am such a tragic fan that I actually re read them. I have read a number of Carolyn Helibrun's books but absolutely loved her book The Last Gift of Time. I refer to it from time to time and have given or lent it to many friends. I have read a number of books on ageing but this is the pick of the bunch. I was shocked to hear that this lucid advocate of a fulfilling old age had topped herself for no apparent reason. I started this book with the epilogue, which makes some sense of Heilbrun's sad decision. Then I have started at the beginning. The tying together of the brilliant academic life and the clever life as Amanda cross is fascinating. I am only half way through, but would recommend this book to feminists, lovers of Kate Fansler and of course people who want to know more about that complex woman, Carolyn Heilbrun. My only commplaint so far is that the publishers should have honoured such a good book with nicer layout and a more generous presentation - e.g. better type face, nicer paper etc. Thank You Susan Kress. This is a dam good read.