The Female Persuasion

The Female Persuasion

by Meg Wolitzer

Finished an interesting read called The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer.  After not being able to go to her dream school (Yale) because her druggie parents didn’t complete the FAFSA forms, Greer Kadetsky, the main character, has to settle for Ryland College. She attends on a full-ride scholarship while her high-school boyfriend, Cory, attends Princeton.  The book begins with Greer attending a guest lecture talk by Faith Frank, a renowned feminist. Greer, pretty meek and mild, feels a great attraction to the words and beliefs of Ms. Frank. Greer meets Ms. Frank in the bathroom after her speech and is given her personal business card, which initiates a long-lasting connection.  Greer’s biggest influencer on campus is Zee Eisenstat, a lesbian activist, who helps her after she is sexually assaulted by a rich male student (who receives a light punishment).  Greer ends up working for Ms. Frank and her ongoing educational campaign surrounding injustice to women.  The story takes lots of turns and twists, but, in the end, Greer has to come to terms with her value set when confronted by an ethical situation involving Ms. Frank. While her professional life skyrockets over her lifetime, her personal relationship with Cory ends after his own family tragedy (his mother kills his brother by accidentally running him over).  Cory gives up his consulting job to stay at home and care for his mother.   Greer’s story is one that examines the changing role of women in society today.  It touches on aspects of sexuality, women in the workplace, ethics, and juggling success and motherhood.  It also incorporates some tried and true notions of romantic love, being true to yourself and holding others to the level you expect of yourself.  Not what I expected.  Fun read.