In her own write: Twentieth-century women's fiction (Women in Society)

In this readable account, Jennifer Breen indicates how readers of twentieth-century women's fiction can identify what is subversive of and what supports a traditional view of a woman's role. She analyses a broad range of women's fiction and relates her readings to social issues of the day. This book is an exciting guide for students, teachers, and general readers of either gender who are interested in twentieth-century fiction by women. Front Matter....Pages iii-xiii The ‘feminine’ and fiction....Pages 1-17 Sexuality and marriage....Pages 18-33 Work and ‘brilliant’ careers....Pages 34-53 Mothers and children....Pages 54-72 Alternatives to marriage....Pages 73-87 Politics and war....Pages 88-103 Beyond racial stereotypes....Pages 104-121 Conclusion....Pages 122-126 Back Matter....Pages 127-146 The author indicates how readers can identify in 20th-century women's fiction what is subversive and what supports the status quo of women's unequal position vis-a-vis men. To illustrate this way of reading fiction, she analyzes women's fiction and relates her readings to social issues of the day.