Gracy Singh

Where do I even begin? From the dawn of time women have faced countless struggles. In fact, a woman’s existence was a pure struggle as well. However, my knowledge of this came from old history textbooks that limited the struggle of girls to not being able to vote. This novel changed everything. From the first page to the very end, I was able to understand, live, read and almost breathe the very essence of what it was like to be a woman in the 20th century, and how much worse it would have been beforehand. I felt Elizabeth Zott’s anger, frustration and strength, which empowered me to keep reading than rip my hair out in frustration at the blatant sexism and misogyny the book exposes. I also cried. Sexual assault and rape, among much else, are daily struggles faced by women and young girls. My heart cries for those who have been hurt in such ways. To be criticized, scrutinized on the daily for your existence, then having to validate sexual assault as something normal? Absolutely atrocious. I am but a 17-year-old girl. I haven’t had much experience in life. But this book has helped educated me on history and the kind of strides I should take in my future. Some all-girls schools in Australia don’t offer woodworks because it’s not a “girl subject”. In my school, all of us year 11 and 12 girls were told to “smell sweet” and “appeal to the male species”, but not too much because that “provokes” them. Girls are ranked on tier lists by boys in their grade...this book, although entailing completely different events, combats this through the strong character of Elizabeth Zott. To all the girls and boys, men and women out there who want to educate themselves on equality, learn about the past and make an active effort to the future, I recommend this book. Lots of respect for Bonnie Garmus for this beautiful book. To put such a heart-breaking but truthful story into such meaningful words is a gift. And lots of respect to anyone who decides to read this book; I applaud you.

I read this book. And cried. Such a beautiful novel and it made me feel as though I was sharing the pain of the characters; made me realise how inhumane we have treated each other in the past and continue to do so today. The world's messed up, but it's books like these that make us realise the power of unity and pain of separation. As a 16yo who's now more aware of social issues, I realise that through her work, Chee has given me perspective. To those who read this review, please do read the book. Its sure to change your mind and life. <3