This book is quite something for feminists - it liberates the readers and makes us revisit and think about our behaviours, our actions. The things I've been doing unconsciously, without thinking very much. Loehnen asks some important questions and unpacks each to explain how we have been internalising patriarchy. One of the most powerful books I read in 2023.

I really enjoyed this book. It was thought provoking, and interesting, the use of the seven deadly sins as a way to explain what women go through to be "good" was really well thought out and interesting to consider. With everything going on in the world this was a really well timed book and gave me a lot to think about.

This is an interesting premise for a book. Women have been held back and held down since forever by the patriarchy but we also grade ourselves on how we behave. We try to maintain standards that are impossible and really, we shouldn’t do this. But living our lives in a certain way and trying to break free of these constraints is not easy. This book investigates this and tries to challenge these thoughts.

I just wish that men would read it too….because we need them to change their mindsets as much as we need to change our own

Such a brilliant book, and so timely.

I loved the way this provoked thought, and reminded me of the ridiculous way we as women have to be to become acceptable.

Brilliant a must read.

I loved the idea behind this book, using the 7 deadly sins as a backdrop to discuss the price women pay to be good was such a great way of approaching this subject.

I really enjoyed the mix of personal stories, history, theology and research, it gave a really well rounded view on each area discussed.

Definitely one to read and discuss with your friends!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.

Really excellent and thought provoking. The author deals with subjects very sensitively and addresses her own privileged when discussing issues faced by other cultures/races she is not a part of without excluding the challenges they face. Really well done I will definitely be recommending!

Summary:

On Our Best Behaviour is an informative account of how women are suppressed and separated from our true selves in modern society. The golden thread throughout this book is that if the seven deadly sins and Elise Loehnen shows how the idea of these has been woven throughout culture, society and politics to keep women in their place and used to continue to programme women to obey the rules and support the patriarchal norm of our society.

Review:

This book was interesting and incredibly thought provoking.

It combines a mixture of data, historical accounts and modern day stories to highlight the ongoing pervasive nature of the patriarchy.

The golden thread of the 7 deadly sins was a really interesting take on this topic and Elise Loehnen makes incredibly clear and rational arguments to support her hypothesis.

The value that is placed in this book on allowing women to be who they are naturally are and to allow all of those in society to express and feel all emotions is powerful.

The author pays attention to the particular challenges faced by those in the minority who face additional discrimination but recognises that in the position of a privileged white woman she cannot speak to their experiences.

Highlights the conflicting priorities or a patriarchal society (looking after the children’s and men) vs the capitalist society (work to make money)-the result of which is that women try to do it all.

Made me challenge my own stereotypes towards other women. ‘We believe in a women’s equality and yet, as women, feel guilt when we put our own needs forwards or uncomfortable when other women do the same’

Full of thought provoking, informative, messages that resonate and leaves no stone unturned.

Really interesting concept - but just couldn't get to grips with this book.
The writing style was difficult and I just couldn't get into it.
Might be a case of the right book, wrong time.