Three Women

Questions About Three Women

by Lisa Taddeo (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (13)

Was the relationship between the high school student and her teacher romanticized? Was the girl portrayed as "asking for it"? Is female masochism normalized in this book? It sounds a little creepy, and extremely misogynistic. Not all women "desire" suffering & exploitation.
Cydney Cort This is not about suffering and exploitation. It is more about passion and power. I think it goes for both men and women. We are all fools for love at…moreThis is not about suffering and exploitation. It is more about passion and power. I think it goes for both men and women. We are all fools for love at some point. it is hard not to identify. The author makes no judgement which is what some people complain about but i think the stories are strong and speak for themselves. There is nothing creepy it is honest and compassionate. (less)
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Are these three "real american women" all white?
Kate Yes, they are. And that is only one of my many issues with it.
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Was it just me? Or did other readers notice that all three women had troubled, or non existent relationships with their fathers? I wondered if this underlined their appalling (and somewhat desperate) choice of men. All three of these women broke my heart.
Kathryn In fact, Taddeo admits that the inner tumult of these women, hidden by outward compliance, reflects the case of her own mother. So perhaps this book i…moreIn fact, Taddeo admits that the inner tumult of these women, hidden by outward compliance, reflects the case of her own mother. So perhaps this book is really more about trying to explain/ understand the dynamics of her mother's relationship(s)? Be interesting to know what her own relationship was with her father.
I recently read a round-up of reviews of this book, suggesting that while all three subjects enjoy sex, they "are also imprisoned by it. All internalise men's views of attractiveness and desire" and it tends towards a view of female "fragility and neediness" rather than a broad range of female sexuality. Taddeo apparently wanted to illustrate truths about contemporary sexual mores, all the subjects are white, under 40 and predominantly straight. (less)
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I found this book fascinating because it talks about the female gaze, which in today's environment is rarely mentioned given the climate. It may be a patriarchy, but women's lives don't just revolve around men. We have so many relationships that do not involve men at all, including the one with have with ourselves. Anyone know of any other great books that delve into the female gaze?
Janet Bufton Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski is not exactly this but is an excellent book on female sexuality and desire that might complement what you're looking…moreCome As You Are by Emily Nagoski is not exactly this but is an excellent book on female sexuality and desire that might complement what you're looking for. (less)
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I'm going to need to know what those black pills are that are mentioned on page 91?
Stephanie Maybe fen phen? It was banned by the FDA in 1997.
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Unanswered Questions (2)

I enjoyed reading this book but the ending felt sudden. I also noticed on the back of the book in the description Sloane was spelled "Sloan", although it was spelled "Sloane" through the book? but that's just my OCD.
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