After Sarah Jane Barnett had a hysterectomy in her forties, a comment by her doctor that she wouldn’t be \”less of a woman\” prompted her to investigate what the concept of womanhood meant to her. Part memoir, part feminist manifesto, part coming-of-middle-age story, Notes on Womanhood is the result. Here, Barnett examines the devastation she inflicted on herself as a young woman, the invisibility she feels as her youth fades, the power of female friendship, the stories women learn about midlife and menopause, and how being the daughter of a transgender woman changed her ideas of womanhood.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 180
Imprint: Otago University Press
Publication date: 30/06/2022
Notes on Womanhood
by Sarah Jane Barnett
Review by Sarah
My favourite book this year! This astounding piece of work is part autobiography and part literary research. Barnett makes tough conversations easily digestible through accessible vocabulary, without sacrificing her natural poetic elegance. Barnett walks with us through every chapter, tackling each discussion with all our ugly emotions which she teaches us to embody with our full ‘Personness’. This book is for everyone, please give it a go!
Notes on Womanhood
by Sarah Jane Barnett
Review by Ray
Expansive, accessible, and inclusive, this memoir explores the concept of womanhood through multiple lenses – parenthood, relationships with parents, ageing, bodies… Barnett dives headfirst into all of these topics with sensitivity, humour and curiosity. It makes for a fascinating read, and one that you’ll want to read alongside a friend – there’s so much in here to discuss and explore further. I was engrossed and inspired by this beautiful memoir.
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