This is a captivating memoir that blends together past and present to illustrate the evolution of identity. Marlowe is a Peruvian American exploring her complex inner life and relatable lived experiences in a deeply personal way. Whether you identify as a feminist or not, if you have ever questioned the systems that shape us living in an unjust patriarchal society, this book is for your. Thank you She Writes Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I did not enjoy reading Portrait of a Feminist by Marianna Marlowe. That title, in my opinion, is erroneous. The author’s form of feminism is judgmental toward other women, and chauvinistic, yet full of hatred toward men. These essays detail transgressions by men, somehow forming the author into her idea of feminist. To be fully transparent, I only read half of this book before I decided to stop. When one of the essays is spent on claiming that the only purpose for a woman to get breast implants is for the male gaze, I checked out. Marlowe displays such disdain toward her cousin that was getting implants that I didn’t care what her opinions were any longer. You cannot call yourself a feminist and be so full of disgust for other women and their choices. I am also of the opinion that feminists are not defined by hatred of men. I know and love some wonderful men. I will never support hatred for the whole gender. This book has no real substance. The stories she shares are incidents that almost every woman on the planet has experienced in some form. The author doesn’t offer any insight or deep thought on what she thinks are pivotal moments. The timeline is all over the place and confusing. The whole thing is full of the author’s internalized sexism. The author appears to enjoy putting herself in the role of victim in these stories. Women are not defined by men, yet that seems to be the idea that Portrait of a Feminist seeks to reinforce. I rarely DNF books, but I chose to stop consuming this book. Definitely a miss for me. 0/5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for allowing me access to an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Publication date February 25th, 2025. This review will be found on Instagram, StoryGraph, and Goodreads indefinitely.

"Portrait of a Feminist confronts the two most essential questions of feminism What does it look like to live a life in defense of feminism? And how should feminism be evolving today?”

Marlowe tells her story through essays suffused with wisdom and feeling. Through them we learn of her life as a bi-racial and multicultural woman beginning with her childhood and moving into adulthood. Her life as “academic", a wife, and a mother round out the book. She lived in several very different places including California, Peru and Ecuador. Marlowe posits how a person(s) (woman/feminist) develop into someone who is aware of those less fortunate. A person who is aware of others and unjust treatment.

I had a difficult time getting into this book. Although Marlowe is a capable storyteller, I found the book to be confusing at times and too slow moving. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Marianna Marlow, NetGalley and She Writes Press for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review. Publication Date February 25, 2025.

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Unfortunately this file will not properly load for me so I’m unable to read it! From the reviews I’ve seen it sounds great!

Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for this ARC!!

If this wasn't an ARC I would have DNF'd it. The stories were either uninteresting, about someone else, or hypothetical (so many what if stories, wondering what happened or assumptions). Didn't really get much of a feminist view from the book other than all the times she reminded us she was a feminist. There was also so much judgement towards other women that didn't vibe with how I see feminism. I would not recommend.

When I first saw this book, I was so excited to read it–especially with everything happening today, and I am happy I did. I think this was a pretty good and easy read. I loved learning about Marianna’s journey with feminism and how it evolved throughout her life, from her childhood witnessing the relationship dynamics between her parents to later in life with marriage and motherhood. For the most part, I found some of her journey relatable. One con I will say is that, at times, I found some of the essays or their order to be a little confusing, but I definitely think this is worth a read.

Portrait of a Feminist is a beautifully written and thought-provoking memoir-in-essays that offers an intimate look at the evolution of Marianna Marlowe’s feminist identity. Through lyrical prose and deeply personal reflections, Marlowe weaves together her experiences as a biracial Peruvian American woman, exploring themes of family, patriarchy, identity, and justice.

The book shines in its ability to balance personal storytelling with broader feminist discourse. Marlowe’s insights into marriage, class, literature, and religion feel both deeply specific and universally resonant. The essays are wise, reflective, and often piercing in their honesty.

While some sections meander, the strength of Marlowe’s voice and the depth of her observations make this a compelling read. An insightful, important read that challenges and inspires.

I enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure where this was going to go, as I consider myself a feminist and thought I would connect on a deeper level regarding women's rights, civil liberties, and social justice issues. However, this book was more of a reflective one... where the narrator told more personal stories about her Peruvian family and background. Although I did not feel I connected with the author on a personal level, it made me realize how important it is to tell our own stories and connect with our own identities, background, and intersectionalities (Crenshaw, 1989.) We have more in common with humanity than we think we do if we just listen and absorb other people's stories.

I was initially drawn to this memoir because it seemed to promise a more global feminist perspective. What I did not expect was a generational gap. The essays that were most interesting to read were ones that specifically addressed Ms. Marlowe's Peruvian family and what often amounted to a cultural clash as she grew older and became more reflective or critical of their stances. Her own viewpoints were also often expressed in language and in ways that read as a bit old. Maybe even antiquated, like a feminism that I read about when I was a preteen. There's nothing particularly wrong with that, but it fell short of where I was hoping it would go.

I was looking forward to reading this book and I was sure I would have loved this book, and yet it left me with a bitter taste. I don’t know what I don’t like of this book precisely, but there’s something off. It’s a very good memoir and interesting, but I’d have preferred if the author, Marianna Marlowe, had delved a little deeper into the topics she’s tried to explain by telling her life experience. The writing style is not of my taste, but I consider it technically correct and appropriate, although it’s not particularly original or memorable.
What I appreciate, instead, is how the author underlined the fact that, given the system we live in and act upon and we embody values, norms and praxis from, is hard to apply entirely our feminist ideals and to adopt the linked behaviours despite our efforts.
“Portrait of a Feminist” is a beautiful book and is very useful to us young women (and not only us) to better understand feminism applied in real life, taking as example the story of a real woman, a professor, who seems very close to us.
This is Marlowe’s debut and I’m looking forward to read her next works in the future.

This book annoyed the hell out of me. I'll discuss my many issues with it in a moment, but I want to start by saying that the book creates false expectations with its subtitle: 'A Memoir in Essays'. There isn't a single essay in here, but rather a collection of anecdotes and small incidents from the author's life, provided with minimal to no meta-commentary. I was hoping to read a book about feminism from the perspective of a woman of color, but while the author often talks about being a feminist, we don't get to see her developing consciousness of the concept, or her awareness of the concept in the world around her, or any insightful discussion of it at all. It's not just that the author has nothing new to say about the subject -- she often doesn't say anything at all.

The stories she tells about her life are ordered in a vague chronological order from childhood to recent years. They feel cobbled together, unstructured and unified only by the vague theme of 'patriarchy bad'. None of the topics touched upon in these stories is ever examined with anything even approaching depth or nuance. In fact, the author mentions things like patriarchal beauty standards imposed on women, but then lets her own internalized patriarchal beauty standards shine through in her narrative: saying that teenage women are 'at the peak of their beauty', calling a soft stomach 'not perfect', talking about her recently face-lifted and tummy-tucked mother as 'a marvel' and 'glorious', describing herself as 'ugly' because her hair is 'frizzy' or 'kinky'.

These internalized prejudices appear in other contexts as well: the author compares her experiences of patriarchy with wearing a hijab, of wearing a mask during covid with wearing a burqa (in the sense that both conceal us). When an acquaintance implies that she might be a lesbian, she feels herself becoming 'instantly defensive', going as far as to say 'how dare he belittle me'. She comments on the male gaze, yet seems unaware of her own objectifying gaze when she describes, in great detail, the breasts of an (underage) friend that she once observed while they were changing. When a family member cuts her hair, she describes it as 'mannishly short', while another friend cutting her hair is described as 'tamed'.

The worst thing about the book, however, is its lack of substance. With one notable exception, all the stories the author tells us are about minor incidents: seeing a man urinate in public, the father of a friend watching her swim, a man on the street blowing her a kiss as she passes him by on a bus. Are these things gross? Absolutely, but they are also depressingly normal experiences for women and girls to have. These stories might have been interesting if the author had had some larger commentary to make about how normalized these things are or how, together, they create a culture of fear for women. This meta-commentary never materializes, however -- instead, the author draws out these small incidents to extract as much drama from them as possible, often speculating about the inner lives of the men involved, assigning them the darkest of motives and thoughts. I do want to note here that publishing often seems to expect the performance of trauma from women authors, especially women of color, so I understand the author wanting to conform to this expectation.

However, the lack of interesting substance manifests in other ways as well. Much of the book feels like pointless filler, written down merely to inflate the word count. The writing is incredibly repetitive, with the author often giving three or more synonyms to express the same thought. She also engages in futile thought exercises, such as conjecturing about what Cleopatra or Jane Austen would think about the modern practice of breast implants.

The more problematic filler content, however, appears when the author 'borrows' trauma and drama from the people around her. She tells us stories about childhood friends that were molested, about adult friends' abusive marriages, about her family's 'soap opera' drama. She does this, as far as I can tell, without changing names or asking consent from the people involved (mentioning several times about these people that they 'lost touch' or 'drifted').

On the whole, this book was mostly an exercise in navel-gazing, written with very little awareness of the world around the author and no acknowledgement at all of the author's significant privileges. A huge disappointment.

Portrait of a Feminist, by Marianna Marlowe, is a profound exploration of the evolving landscape of feminism. With her keen insights and deeply personal memories, Marlowe examines the intersection of history, culture, and individual stories, crafting a compelling memoir that will resonate with women everywhere.

Marlowe’s ability to weave personal anecdotes with historical context is remarkable. She dives into the challenges women face worldwide while celebrating the triumphs of feminist movements.

Portrait of a Feminist is structured as a series of essays presented in a non-linear timeline. While this approach felt creative in exploring Marlowe's diverse themes, it initially felt confusing and challenging to follow. However, once the book's structure was established, the fragmented timeline added depth to the narrative, mirroring the vast complexity of feminism and Marlowe's personal journey. Her voice feels authentic and courageous, the storytelling is refreshingly honest, and she does not shy away from covering complex or controversial themes.

Marlowe’s exploration of feminist identities and movements resonates strongly in today’s world. Her stories of resilience and advocacy feel universal, yet they also challenge readers to reflect on their own experiences and assumptions. Personally, I found her reflections on intergenerational feminism particularly poignant, as they highlight the evolving nature of feminist struggles and triumphs.

Portrait of a Feminist is less of a memoir as it is a call to action, reminding us of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Although the non-linear timeline may require some adjustment at the beginning, Marlowe’s essays ultimately reward the reader with profound insights and a deep human narrative. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand feminism in its many dimensions.

Thanks to NetGalley & She Writes Press for the opportunity to read and review this ahead of time!

this was an interesting read, i enjoyed the stories and how they were told. it reminded me again of the importance of storytelling and how it's up to us to tell out own stories.

One of my goals for reading this year was to read more non-fiction and as the first memoir on the list, this didn’t disappoint. Marianna Marlowe did a superb job at walking us through her experiences whilst weaving a tale of how our upbringing, those around us and even time can affect our views on our experiences. There are strong themes that primarily center around feminism but venture into the patriarchy, marriage, Marlowe’s multicultural upbringing and self discovery. And honestly it’s just all really well done. I often found myself thinking back on my own experiences and seeing them in a different light.

While I enjoyed this read, it was definitely not a read I could sit and devour over a day like with most other reads but one I’d read a few essays and put it down then come back days later and repeat.

Thank you to NetGalley & She Writes Press for the opportunity to read and review this ahead of time!

Portrait of a Feminist: A Memoir in Essays by Marianna Marlowe is a powerful and deeply introspective collection that maps the journey of a biracial, multicultural woman finding her voice and defining her beliefs in a world riddled with patriarchal constraints. Through poignant, braided memories that traverse continents and stages of life, Marlowe crafts a memoir that is as much about the personal as it is about the political, showing how the two are inextricably intertwined.

Marlowe’s writing is evocative and precise, layering personal anecdotes with cultural analysis in a way that feels both intimate and universally resonant. Her experiences as the child of a Catholic Peruvian mother and an atheist American father form the foundation of her exploration of identity and belonging. The contrast between her family’s expectations and her growing feminist consciousness is portrayed with a rawness that makes you feel every moment of her joy, anger, and confusion.

The essays are rich with sensory details—descriptions of sunlit childhood days in Peru, the academic corridors she walked as an adult, and the quiet spaces where she reflects on love, motherhood, and mortality. But they’re also filled with sharp insights into how patriarchy embeds itself in everyday life, from literature and marriage dynamics to the hierarchies of religion and academia. Marlowe interrogates the stories she was told growing up and the cultural myths that shaped her understanding of what it means to be a woman. Whether she’s unpacking the narratives of submissive women in religious texts or challenging the structures of academia, her voice is both bold and thoughtful.

One of the standout aspects of this memoir is its exploration of intersections—of culture, race, class, and gender. Marlowe navigates these complexities with grace and honesty, especially in her reflections on the privileges and limitations that shaped her life across different societies. Her relationship with her mother, for example, serves as both a mirror and a point of divergence: while her mother adhered to traditional roles, Marlowe questions them, finding her own path as a feminist who must also reconcile with her cultural heritage.

The structure of the book—braided memories that shift between past and present—can be both a strength and a challenge. The nonlinear approach allows Marlowe to draw powerful connections across time and space, but some readers may find the temporal jumps disorienting. However, once you settle into the rhythm of her storytelling, the connections between different moments of her life become beautifully clear, creating a portrait of self-discovery that feels organic rather than chronological.

Marlowe’s vulnerability shines through as she examines not only the injustices she has witnessed but also her own complicity and missteps. She acknowledges the contradictions inherent in striving to live according to feminist ideals while navigating relationships, societal pressures, and the limitations of her own understanding. This self-awareness makes her narrative feel grounded and authentic.

If there’s a critique, it’s that some of the more theoretical sections—particularly her analyses of misogynistic literature and institutional structures—can feel dense compared to the more lyrical, personal essays. However, for readers who appreciate a blend of memoir and cultural critique, this balance will likely feel enriching rather than heavy.

At 4 stars, Portrait of a Feminist is a moving and intellectually stimulating exploration of identity, feminism, and the lifelong process of self-definition. Marianna Marlowe’s memoir is both a celebration of feminist resilience and a call to reimagine what feminism can look like in today’s world. It’s a book that will resonate deeply with readers who have questioned the roles imposed upon them, sought to untangle themselves from cultural contradictions, or tried to live in alignment with their values while grappling with the complexities of family, love, and justice.

I'm grateful to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the eARC.

I'm trying to read more women oriented titles, and more memoirs and this was a perfect addition to my shelf. Everyone should read this book, especially all women. In a beautiful manner Marianna Marlowe has weaved this memoir with intimate and emotional details that are meant to feel evocative.

It has strong themes, including marriages of inequal stature, patriarchal norms, and multicultural upbringing. The book is much more than a memoir, and serves as a lesson in retrospective for the society that discriminates on a number of agendas, gender being one of the foremost one.

The book also shows the author's journey of self discovery, and learning and unlearning the biases of feminism and associated sociopolitical issues.

Highly recommended

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I had to take time to sit with this book. Each essay was beautiful. We navigate through the author discovering her identity and who she really is through the relationship between her parents and women she encounters, her experiences, her own love stories. I loved this book because I was able to identify with similar struggles and family dynamics and I think it made the read hit even harder.

There's some interesting thoughts in here, but I found it a bit dry.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

Marlowe’s memoir, Portrait of a Feminist, explores how her biracial background and multicultural upbringing shaped her evolving feminist outlook. With sharp insights and elegant prose, she critiques patriarchal structures and challenges readers to reflect on modern feminism. A profound and thought-provoking read for those interested in cultural identity and gender equality. This is a perfect addition to my shelf alongside Adichie and Arundhuti Roy

Marlowe’s Portrait of a Feminist is a reflective piece on the effects of patriarchy in our psyches, memories and reactions.
With her culturally rich background, Marlowe’s brings fresh insights into what being a woman, and a woman with multiple minority identities means in our modern world.
She talks about her experiences and the lives of women around her, at times a seemingly brief incident caused by patriarchy, a horrendous action performed by men, that haunt women for their lifetime. These were extremely recognisable, relatable and uncomfortable - not because of the writing, because of the nature of those incidents. I liked the author’s raw and brave retrospective.
I also enjoyed reading about the unique cultural sparks the author included. It was lovely to read the Spanish original phrases, and of course, an English translation is provided for all of them.
Then, why the three stars? I had, perhaps unrealistic, expectations of more depth, insights and at times, a differently layered writing. This is majorly out of my personal tastes and expectations based on my previous experiences.
This is an important and needed book, and I am glad to have met Marlowe’s voice. I recommend this book to younger women (15-25) in particular. You are not alone.