History of the Wife

So Good I'm Re-reading It

This book was required reading in a marriage and family class I took in college. I enjoyed it so much I kept my copy and am re-reading it. So much information, but written in a way that makes it fun to read.

Interesting facts not only about marriages, but women in general

Marilyn Yalom's "A History of the Wife" is not just a history of the wife, but includes a little history for every woman. She talks about how single women pictured their futures with a husband and decided if a husband was even worth having in order to avoid social stigmas associated with spinsterhood. Overall, the book was well researched and enjoyable. Interesting facts buried within the pages of this book will bring new knowledge to anyone wondering about the changing role of women in marriages and history. It was interesting to discover the freedom many women enjoyed before the strong feminist movement of the later part of the 20th century. The bravery and freedom young women showed from the founding of American until today on facing an unknown destiny with their husbands, sometimes venturing into dangerous territory in order to just meet a potential spouse. I know I engaged a couple of co-workers in a discussion on this book after they saw me reading it and even presented this as a gift to a newly engaged friend. Definitely a great read.

Brilliant Deconstruction

Disclaimer: I did not select this book. It came in the mail after my procrastination in choosing my next book via a book club membership. When I saw the title and read the inside flap (it insinuates the book if for women), I was assured that this was not my cup of tea. Then I started to read it and was very impressed with the content, context and the great writing.

Of particular interest to me was the behind the curtain view in these areas:

. The Age of Enlightenment where companionate marriage was conceived.

. Medieval Europe and the concept of religious duty.

. The arena of romantic love being segued into a prerequisite for marriage.

I also enjoyed the insight the author provided on the various laws, religious practice, social customs and politics as the book meandered from ancient to modern times.

For a 'women's book" I sure did enjoy it.

I hope you find this review helpful.

Michael L. Gooch

I cant say enough about this book or the author

Yalom is a fantastic author, and I give a copy of this book to all my friends when they get engaged. My husband didnt read the whole book, but even he, a history hater, was fascinated by the parts that I read to him. Yalom looks at an incredible expanse of history and handles it very well. As always I feel that the most recent history was treated a little less than I would have liked, but she also does her best to vover all walks of life and all ethnicties. Its no small task! If more modern history is sacrificed to that then I happily take the trade. I think all women should read this book, it makes them appreciate both how far more couples have come from how it could be, as well as appreciate how far we have to go!

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