“Not every woman is a mother, a grandmother, aunty or sister – but all women are daughters.”

Rebellious Daughters

Edited by Maria Katsonis & Lee Kofman

Ventura Press

ISBN: 9781925183566

Description:

Good daughters hold their tongues, obey their elders and let their families determine their destiny. Rebellious daughters are just the opposite.

In Rebellious Daughters, some of Australia’s most talented female writers share intimate and touching stories of rebellion and independence as they defy the expectations of parents and society to find their place in the world.

My View:

This is an extraordinary collection of memoir – so readable, so interesting…this eclectic mix of women authors that truly reflects the breadth and depth of  contemporary Australian women writers.

The women here are so brave – open, honest and willing to share their innermost secrets. Reading this is like having a peak in someone else’s diary or like listening to your best friend share their thoughts and feelings, struggles and joys.

Reading as a feminist there is plenty of material here for discussion – the notion of the “good girl”, the pressure placed on the woman/child to conform. Many stories draw attention to the intersecting expectations of culture/race/age and sexism that weigh heavily on women’s shoulders. But it is not a negative book – it is inclusive,  optimistic and realistic!  I can imagine the conversations this collection will inspire.

Reading purely for pleasure, this is a brave, inclusive and exhilarating read – for aren’t we all, even slightly, a rebellious daughter?

And it is great to know that by buying this book you are contributing to the Women’s Legal Service Victoria.