THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE

More than 45 years ago, Friedan examined the role of women in American society, focusing on the disconnect between the rosy, commonly accepted picture of what makes women content and the reality of the unhappiness created by the expectations of the time. Parker Posey narrates this seminal work with serious resolve. For the bulk of the book, Posey is subdued and restrained as she presents Friedan’s argument that women themselves go through life restrained—restrained by society’s dictates. The final chapters present proposals for how women can move out of the narrow bounds to which they have been confined—to obtain college degrees and find meaningful careers. Through her strong pace in this part of the book, Posey projects Friedan’s belief in the possibilities of the future. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]