Welcome to another edition of Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill, at Breaking the Spine.
Today I’ve found a title that fits in with the theme of this blog about “accidental moments” and “serendipity.”
The Accidental Feminist, by M. G. Lord, is all about how Elizabeth Taylor, the legendary actress, has lived her life defiantly in public—undermining post-war reactionary sex roles, helping directors thwart the Hollywood Production Code, which censored film content between 1934 and 1967.
Movie stars establish themselves as brands—and Taylor’s brand , in its most memorable outings, has repeatedly introduced a broad audience to feminist ideas. In her breakout film, “National Velvet” (1944), Taylor’s character challenges gender discrimination,: Forbidden as a girl to ride her beloved horse in an important race, she poses as a male jockey. Her next milestone, “A Place in the Sun” (1951), can be seen as an abortion rights movie—a cautionary tale from a time before women had ready access to birth control. In “Butterfield 8” (1960), for which she won an Oscar, Taylor isn’t censured because she’s a prostitute, but because she chooses the men: she controls her sexuality, a core tenet of the third-wave feminism that emerged in the 1990s. Even “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (1966) depicts the anguish that befalls a woman when the only way she can express herself is through her husband’s stalled career and children…
Defying death threats she spearheaded fundraising for AIDS research in the first years of the epidemic, and has championed the rights of people to love whom they love, regardless of gender. Yet her powerful feminist impact has been hidden in plain sight. Drawing on unpublished letters and scripts as well as interviews with Kate Burton, Gore Vidal, Austin Pendleton, Kevin McCarthy, Liz Smith, and others, The Accidental Feminist will surprise Taylor and film fans with its originality and will add a startling dimension to the star’s enduring mystique.
***
I would never have pictured Taylor as a “feminist,” but from this blurb, I can see how we could reach these conclusions.
I’m eager to read this book.
What are the rest of you waiting for? I hope you’ll come on by and share.
I didn’t think of Taylor that way either but I can see how she could be viewed in a different light.
LikeLike
Yes, me too, Jo. I was immediately intrigued by the concept. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great week.
LikeLike
Wow…I never would have imagined Taylor as a feminist!!! Thanks for checking out My Wishlist Pick!
♥ Melissa @ Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf
LikeLike
Oh, neither would I have imagined that, Melissa. Which is why I was drawn to this book. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
sounds like a captivating read.
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/12/waiting-on-wednesday_21.html
LikeLike
It does, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by, Mary Ann, and enjoy your holidays.
LikeLike
I would never usually be drawn toward a book like this, but I have to admit, it does sounds pretty interesting. Thanks for sharing and commenting on my WOW. 🙂
LikeLike
I was definitely intrigued by the unusual premise of this one, Sam. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Taylor a feminist? Sounds like a very interesting read. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I thought so, too, Susanne…thanks for visiting, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
This one looks interesting!
Thanks for your comment!
Romi.
LikeLike
Thanks, Romi…I am excited about it. Glad you could stop by.
LikeLike
This definitely sounds intriguing! Great pick!
Giselle
Xpresso Reads
LikeLike
I think so, too, Giselle. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I hadn’t heard of this one – thanks for sharing 🙂
LikeLike
It was an “accidental” find for me, too, Erica, but I’m now looking forward to it. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
Interesting pick! I would have never pegged Taylor as a feminist either. I think this would be a very interesting read.
Thanks for sharing & for stopping by my blog!
LikeLike
You’re welcome, Bookish Babes…I’m glad I stumbled upon this one. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
LikeLike
I suppose that, when someone mentions Elizabeth Taylor, people tend to think of her numerous marriages or how beautiful she was. I like the subtitle of this book: How Elizabeth Taylor raised our conscience (and we were too distracted by her beauty to notice). How true.
LikeLike
You’re right, Christina…beauty can distract us so that we fail to notice what else is going on with someone. Thanks for stopping by, and have a great week.
LikeLike