 Cover of the first edition | |
| Author | Marilyn French |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Feminist fiction |
| Publisher | Summit Books (Simon & Schuster) |
Publication date | 1977 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback) |
| ISBN | 0-671-40010-X |
| OCLC | 3089386 |
The Women's Room is the debut novel by American feminist author Marilyn French, published in 1977. It launched French as a major participant in the feminist movement and,[1] while French states it is not autobiographical, the book reflects many autobiographical elements.[2] For example, French, like the main character, Mira, was married and divorced, and then attended Harvard where she obtained a Ph.D. in English Literature.[2] Despite the connection of The Women's Room to the feminist movement, French stated in a 1977 interview with The New York Times: "The Women's Room is not about the women's movement ... but about women's lives today."[3]
The Women's Room has been described as one of the most influential novels of the modern feminist movement.[4] Its instant popularity brought criticism from some well-known feminists that it was too pessimistic about women's lives and anti-men.[5]
The Women's Room is set in 1950s America and follows the fortunes of Mira Ward, a conventional and submissive young woman in a traditional marriage, and her gradual feminist awakening. The novel met stark media criticism when published but went on to be an international best seller.
- ^ "Marilyn French, Novelist and Champion of Feminism Dies at 79" by A.G. Sulzberger and Herbert Mitgang, The New York Times May 3, 2009
- ^ a b "Marilyn French dies at 79; author of feminist classic 'The Women's Room'" by Elaine Woo, Los Angeles Times May 5, 2009
- ^ Behind the Best Sellers by Herbert Mitgang, The New York Times, December 25, 1977
- ^ A Bookshelf of Our Own: Works that Changed Women's Lives by Deborah G. Felder
- ^ Fictional Feminism: How American Bestsellers Affect the Movement for Women's Equality by Kim A. Loudermilk