8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
(4.5 stars) Why don't they teach this in school?, July 16, 2008
This review is from: Sex Wars: A Novel of Gilded Age New York (Paperback)
The more I read historical fiction the more convinced I am that the educational system in America is completely inadequate (and I went to a supposedly college prep school!) "Sex Wars" by Marge Percy is a particularly good example of that failure. There is so much in this novel about women's history that should not be forgotten-especially now. There is information in this book that should be taught to everyone so that we can keep from backsliding into a nation where once again women are treated as children, with no control over their own bodies, legal matters, property, freedom or children.
"Sex Wars" is really four stories is one, though they all intertwine and weave a larger message of the battle that women faced for equality in the last quarter of the 19th century. Though the back of the book claims that the novel mainly follows Freydeh, a young Jewish woman searching for her sister in New York City and along the way she meets some of the largest influences of the age, in reality it is divided up between her and three others. The first suffragettes Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, Victoria Woodhull sexual freethinker and the first woman to run for president, and Anthony Comstock founder of the society for the suppression of Vice; they all have a voice in this book.
In truth the novel does follow Freydeh as she searches for her sister, but also as she begins to adopt street children to care for and begins a burgeoning condom making business so that she can make enough money to feed, cloth and house herself and her adopted children, as well as sending money back to her home country for her family to immigrate on. But it also follows Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony as they fight with abolitionists to get equal time for their cause and with proper ladies who aren't ready to truly fight-not just talk politely- for equality. And Victoria Woodhull, who grew up in a family of con men but pulled herself out using her smarts and the conviction that she was meant to be a great leader some day but was constantly in scandal because of her family, belief in spiritualism and her practice of free love. And last but certainly not least is Anthony Comstock whose rampant censorship seems to be based on true fear of women and young people's corruption, which sees as leading to death.
Told in expansive, highly descriptive third person, this is a novel that truly is about the sex wars. Every person in this book is fighting in their way-sometimes simply by insisting on making a living independent of men-for equality or dominance. And not only are they fighting over the ideals of the day but against thousands of years of oppression and inequality. It's a mighty task.
This book was a revelation to me. It is crammed full of facts that they just don't teach you in school (such as: a married woman couldn't sign legal documents but a single one could, women could not testify in court because it was considered indecent, anatomical books were considered to be pornography) as well as the accounts of just some of the numerous men and women who worked their whole lives to create a better world where all are equal. In every way it is an inspiring book and I am glad to have read it.
However it's also a slow starter and a bit hard to get really absorbed in because of the constantly shifting perspective. For about the first one hundred seventy five pages I wasn't sure if this was a book I could finish, but after that it became impossible to put down.
This is a book everyone should read. If only to see how far we all have come in the last hundred and thirty years and what we could possibly loose.
Four point five stars. I look forward to reading more of this author's work!.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wholy Women, December 19, 2005
Marge Piercy's SEX WARS is a winner.....a new kind of historical fiction....the next new blockbuster in book sales....an absolute must read for all book groups! Line up for awards Marge Piercy. Book fans will be greatly rewarded by reading your newest book! I would not be surprised to see this book win the next Pulitzer Prize!!
Most everyone will recognize the big names in the suffragette movement,--such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton--but Marge Piercy has put all those well known characters, some lesser known characters, and some purely fictional characters together to create an historical fiction that everyone will enjoy reading. Her story is interesting, personal, compelling, and helpful in understanding how women and men developed into the society that makes today's USA the country that we can all relate to, and debate about, continuing issues....if we so choose to be as brave and bold as some of those women in this story.
Book groups prepare for some great and lengthy intellectual debates with Marge Piercy's SEX WARS!!!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Enjoyable Piece of Brain Candy, February 14, 2006
I have to disagree with the other reviewers who felt that the narrative style of this novel ruined it for them. While it will never be included in the annals of "fine literature", this book remains an enjoyable read which I would have no hesitation in recommending to others.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
