| I'm sorry, but this book just did not work for me. I sympathize with many eco-feminist notions, but this book makes poorly researched and shaky claims, seeking to link together variables that have no connection, making generalized, fluffy arguments. The main point of this book is, of course, the linkage between patriarchial society and the nuclear age. The writer provides very strange and eclectic examples from popular culture which are vague, at best, and more often it seems that the writer sought to locate casual references to suit her claim. For example, in several places, the writer refers to titles of different articles about nuclear weapons and about the dangers of maleness (incest - which she seems to regard as a general trait of fatherhood) which happen to appear in the same issue of Time or Newsweek - not as a coincidence, but as a joint issue. She looks at the cover of a magazine, citing different article names, and we're supposed to reach a conclusion that this linkage is not coincidental, and that it is part of the alleged male-nuclear conspiracy. The writer analyzes similar material in opposite ways when it supports her argument - first identifying the bomb with the male, then with the female. She seems to have thrown the darts before marking the target. Another disturbing factor is the generalized and problematic, to say the least, condemnation of what the writer describes as "nuclear fatherhood". All fathers are compared, as a general group, to Reagan and Freddy Krueger. Need I say more? I did find the spiritual contents of this book (such as the idea of the Gorgon) fascinating and useful - especially due to the (regrettable) lack of serious and intelligent discussion of Feminist spirituality as a deserving issue and not merely a bag of love spells. I wish these contents could be given to us separately, and not within a poorly researched scholarly work that does not give credit to its readers as intelligent beings who can evaluate material by themselves, without being spoonfed the conclusions which by no means stem from the material. As a woman who cares deeply about women's issues and about this planet, I believe this book does damage to the general cause by alienating 99.99% of the people who could be responsive to eco-feminism and its ideas. It's sad, really. |
| Gossips, Gorgons & Crones is the first comprehensive analysis of nuclear-age culture and the accompanying return of female Powers. Based in feminist, pre-patriarchal, and Native American philosophies, this book provides a biting critique of patriarchal practices, myths, and values, including family values. |
