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.