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The Feminine Mystique

The Classic That Sparked a Feminist Revolution

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The Feminine Mystique

By: Betty Friedan
Narrated by: Parker Posey, Imogen Church
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About this listen

The book that sparked a feminist revolution, now with a new introduction by Gaby Hinsliff.

"Love and children and home are good but they are not the whole world, even if most of the words now written for women pretend they are. Why should women accept this picture of a half-life, instead of a share in the whole of human destiny?"

First published in 1963, Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique changed the world. Widely credited with inspiring second-wave feminism, the book spoke to women across the globe and defined "the problem that has no name". It showed women that they could and should aim for a life beyond the home and the family, and that they could never find true fulfilment as long as their roles and ambitions were so narrowly defined.

Based on interviews with suburban housewives, as well as researching psychology and how women were portrayed in media and advertising, The Feminine Mystique showed that many women were in fact deeply unsatisfied, but unable to find a voice to express their feelings.

A powerful and ground-breaking piece of feminist writing and a historically important literary work, it laid the foundations for many feminist activists following in Friedan’s footsteps, and had significant societal and political influence on the progression of gender equality.

This new edition, published to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Betty Friedan’s birth, includes a new introduction by Gaby Hinsliff, which discusses the reasons why Friedan’s book still has so much to say to women today.

©1963, 2001 Betty Friedan (P)2009 Audible, Inc.
Gender Studies Social Sciences Equality Discrimination

Critic Reviews

"One of the most influential non-fiction books of the twentieth century." (The New York Times)

"The Feminine Mystique forever changed the conversation as well as the way women view themselves...fundamentally altered the course of women’s lives." (Arianna Huffington, O, The Oprah Magazine)

All stars
Most relevant  
Every woman and man should read!

Parker Posey should NOT narrate!

I recommend listening at an audio speed of 1.7 so Posey doesn't make what is otherwise fascinating and historically and currently relevant into dry toast.

Every woman and man should read!

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I finished it wanting to buy copies of the book as gifts for multiple people.
I didn’t like the tone of voice which sounded sad and monotonous, but I guess is part of the performance of the audiobook.
I saw myself in many of the examples and helped me realise that I’m not the only one with the feelings of the problem with no name.

It make me feel empowered

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This reading of The Feminine Mystique, despite its heavy subject matter felt very monotone which meant that there were times where the voices felt like white noise and I would have to rewind after tuning out. The book itself is an incredibly historical document, meaning that some aspects were dated, as it included phrases such as ‘mentally retarded’ and blames homosexuality on Oedipal mothers, such concepts would be completely rejected in this day and age, so take it with a grain of salt. A number of chapters also felt like they were going over the same idea time and time again, giving the experience a repetitive drag. However, despite the flaws in the text, the fact that this audiobook is available is fantastic as more people will be able to go back and understand the birthplace of second wave feminism. This reading also must be from a version of the book that is not available in Australia, as the copy I had which was from the 60s had many missing paragraphs that were being read by the performers. At least it gave me more to think about.

Repetitive but necessary

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Fascinating book based on research, and it still feels relevant today. However, I would highly recommend either reading the book or finding another version of the audio book.
The performance has been the worst out of all the books I have listened to with monotonous delivery. More importantly, incorrect and unnecessary pauses which would either change the meaning of phrases or make you have to think twice to understand what was said.
There are a few short bits that are obviously inserted later (due to correction or missing parts), and you can feel the difference even in those ones.

READ the book

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.