Book Log #1 - Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given

Review: 3/5 stars

Influencer Florence Given debuted as author with Women Don’t Owe You Pretty back in 2020. The book was plastered all over social media during the first lockdown, dubbed a feminist ‘must-read’ and the book all women in their 20 somethings had been waiting for. As a self-proclaimed feminist who is clearly very late to the party, I read Women Don’t Owe You Pretty this week - and what I found was the ultimate reading of feminist wokeness; perfect for women just coming into their feminism in this modern world.

Image via Twitter

The highly-talked about book was the subject of much controversy too. Read about it here.

Controversy aside, my experience as a woman is a concept I think about often, as well as the extent to which my race and culture also play a role within my identity as a woman. As a Chinese woman in Singapore, I am part of the majority demographic. I recognise this perspective in Given’s reflections on womanhood in the UK. As an Asian woman in a predominantly white country, however, many of her concepts would not ring as true for me personally, or would take a slightly different face/meaning (such as when she says "having desirability as a woman gives us the privilege of being acknowledged and visible") It was incredibly interesting for me to reflect on this alongside her book; the experience of being a woman differs so vastly according to your age, your race, your culture, your socio-economic status – yet we all share the same core experience. It was interesting to think about this alongside the scandal that has unfolded around this book too - as women who belong to a majority demographic, what can one do to elevate the narratives of others?

The book is also peppered with adorable & empowering illustrations by Given herself, here are some:

Given’s book jumpstarted discussions about the feminist movement in 2020 but also shed a light on the nature of our publishing industry. To have such split opinions on the book’s content certainly signifies that the ideas presented struck a chord with its audience - and it certainly has. Women Don’t Owe You Pretty is the ultimate woke feminist reading of the current plight of womanhood.

Date Read: 02/2022

Some of my favourite quotes:

"But growth requires accountability... The kind of love you accept into your life is a reflection of the love that deep down you think you deserve."

"Treat people as experts on their own experiences and believe them."

"A woman is so much more than her relationship status. It's literally the least interesting thing about her."