A review by mklymiuk
The Group by Mary McCarthy

challenging emotional funny inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

A slow starting classic; one will be forgiven for paging back and forth trying to place members of the group as the lives of each unfold to explore the timeless struggles of womanhood. Intellect in the face of the patriarchy; sexual autonomy and security;  motherhood and the turmoil of entertaining any diversion from common lore; and of course the generations long battle to claw ourselves a blessed few inches closer to equality only to realise that in the 30 years between setting and publication, and the 70 between publication and present day, that the fundamentals have barely changed. There’s both solidarity and sadness in that. 
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