Why I’m Only Reading Books by Women
I’m trying to remember the last time I read a book by a man. Or, for that matter, the last time I watched something that didn’t have a female character … Continue reading Why I’m Only Reading Books by Women
Tag: representation
Fragment #1 The Jacket
It was bought for Harry’s christening. Sharp darts in the waist and a slippery blue lining. Mum kept it at the back of the wardrobe, shielded in a cover. Black … Continue reading Fragment #1 The Jacket
We Are All Disordered
This month I started teaching AS Media Studies. What a treat. I’d forgotten the delights of delving into the signs and representations that we are bombarded with in daily life, … Continue reading We Are All Disordered
We Need to Keep Talking About Kevin
In the book I’ve just finished reading, several rather unpleasant things happen. Arguably the first most significant even is when, about 200 pages in, a mother throws her six-year-old son … Continue reading We Need to Keep Talking About Kevin
Why I’m Not an Angry Feminist
Today I had the joy of experiencing a running buddy while out on the streets. As I ran past him, he came into step beside me, waving his arms and … Continue reading Why I’m Not an Angry Feminist
Empress Orchid – The Mistrusted Empress
I first heard about ‘Empress Cixi’ through a BBC documentary called ‘The Ascent of Woman.’ An impressive summary of a huge swathe of human history, the programme asked questions about … Continue reading Empress Orchid – The Mistrusted Empress
A Little Life
There’s something immensely satisfying in a novel that appears to start out one way, and then takes you somewhere you weren’t expecting. Initially, A Little Life appears to be a … Continue reading A Little Life
A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing
Personally, I’m not a fan of the word ‘genius.’ It’s derived from ‘genie.’ The idea that a little imp comes and sits on your shoulder and gives you an idea, … Continue reading A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing
Wearing Makeup Isn’t Empowering
Genderspecs – unpicking gender stereotypes, one blog at a time There’s an awful lot that can empower you these days. Shower gel, pants and even socks are being held up … Continue reading Wearing Makeup Isn’t Empowering
The Dark Rooms Writers Have to Enter
Yes I’m a little late, but I have just devoured Emma Donoghue’s wonderful book, Room. Not since Christmas have I found a book that made me pause at every moment … Continue reading The Dark Rooms Writers Have to Enter
Genderspecs – The Gendered Gaze
Genderspecs – unpicking gender stereotypes, one blog at a time. The Gendered Gaze Come on, you’ve done it too, haven’t you? Described your mate Terry as a ‘man’s man’ or … Continue reading Genderspecs – The Gendered Gaze
Characters we Love to Hate
I’m far more tolerant in fiction than in the real world. Hours of page-turning will be spent on characters I thoroughly despise, who wouldn’t last more than a few minutes … Continue reading Characters we Love to Hate
