Female Rage: How Women Can Unlock Their Rage and Empower Their Lives

by Mary and Anne Devane Valentis

A compelling consideration of the rage that continues to shape women's lives, pointing to its personal and cultural roots, its expression in classic and popular culture, its manifestations in disorders--from depression to bulimia--and its potential as a fuel for self-realization and success.

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, Womens

Paperback

First published November 27, 1995

Reviews

[λee]

I think if I'd have read it a few years ago I'd be utterly losing my shit over this book. As things stand, the authors were way too uncritically immersed in Freudian-era theory, and heteronormative to the point of absurdity. Published in the early 90s, it even goes so far as to acknowledge and celebrate the mainstream cultural absorption of declaratively non-het experience in that period, but still somehow seems unable to extend even the courtesy of using genderless descriptives in discussions of romantic/sexual relations. In fairness, a central concern here is how a woman asserts herself and thrives in a male world, but (so?) the absence remains peculiar. That being said, I gained a lot from discussions of the foundations of rage, and the complicated bodily experience of such strong emotions. The retelling of the Medusa myth felt deeply important, and validating, and in many ways this book foregrounds the "misandry movement" currently taking place online (though always seems to quickly back away from actually indicting men). I really enjoyed the book's incorporation of ancient mythological and pop cultural (contemporary mythological) case studies, but a strange tic was the frequent lack of context when relating contemporary media-friendly criminal trials, as though the authors didn't expect this book to outlive its decade (a self-fulfilling prophecy). All in all, worth a read, especially if like me you've always had a soft spot for Medusa without quite knowing why. Or if, like me, you've always had a sneaking suspicion you'll die alone from a ruptured ulcer at the age of 32.

[Chris]

This is definitely an outdated book. It made me feel the same way I feel whenever I read a "white feminist" book from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s (with the exception of Backlash/Faludi). So many things are no longer relevant.
There's too much gender essentialism, too much Freud, too much heteronormativity, too little intersectionality in Female Rage: Unlocking Its Secrets, Claiming Its Power.


I give it three stars for the Medusa myth and its retelling. It was the best part.

[Antea Garo]

While outdated and very Freud heavy, it did provide fascinating insights and ultimately good advice. I also really like the link between medusa and female rage that was intertwined throughout the entire book. Overall, I do recommend!

[Elalma]

Vedo che in pochissime hanno questo libro qui su anobii, ed è un peccato perché molte ragazze dovrebbero leggerlo. E' un libro sulla rabbia femminile, su come gestirla. Inizialmente uno si chiede "perché femminile?" , la rabbia è un'emozione comune. Eppure per quanti secoli le donne hanno tenuto dentro le ferite, i soprusi, le umiliazioni che il potere dominante maschile ha inflitto? Seguendo il mito di medusa scopriamo quanto sia ancestrale questo sentimento, iniziato quando dopo la fine del neolitico la cultura patriarcale ha scalzato il mito della dea madre, accogliente e pacifica. Ottima la parte storica e sociale, trovo però un poco zoppicante quella psicoanalitica

[Kari]

It was an interesting read and learned alot. I definitely had to time travel myself and pretend I was reading this in 90s / early 2000s. I found the self quiz at the end of the book super helpful. Some parts were a bit difficult to get through, drawn out. If anyone is studying female rage, this book would be a good place to start. The author proposes that assertiveness is the key to healing and dealing with rage. While I agree, I wish there had been more a few more pages dedicated to assertiveness at the end.

[Christie]

I rated this high, mostly because of the first half. It's an important read, I think, especially for women, but the second half went overboard on the rage women feel from infidelity.. it seemed to be less objective during the last part

[Shauna Angel Blue]

This book has been amazingly helpful in showing me that A) my anger IS justifiable and B) how to channel it a little bit better than I may have in the past. It also has a great Medusa story in it. I am so grateful for this book.

[Davinia]

Interesting, makes good points. However, very focused on Freudian theory and gender separation. Sometimes big generalisations were made. A result of 3rd wave 90s feminism. We have come a long way since. I liked some bits of this book very much; others made me quite uncomfortable.

[Erica Hruza]

Powerful mind opening stuff in there

[Fletcher Dyflin]

A powerful exploration of female rage through the lens of Medusa and enduring myth. It connects historical narratives with lived experiences that still feel relevant today. The framework makes it easier to recognize and name anger without dismissing it. I found it both validating and grounding. A thoughtful read that reframes rage as something to understand, not suppress.

Read this if you’re craving:

feminist nonfiction · mythology & meaning · emotional validation

[Natalie I only read good books Graham]

A little outdated, but a really cool analysis of female archetypes in literature and in life!

[Savannah Senkbile]

medusa revolutionized feminist culture

[Adrian Flowers]

I appreciate the thought process the authors gave insight too, the stories they gathered for the book itself and the reading as w hole was easy to follow and enjoy.