Perfect Wives in Ideal Homes: The Story of Women in the 1950s

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In the post-war world, there was little – except a residual belief in her own incapacity – to stop a young woman from training to become an architect, a biologist, or a lawyer. This is one of the best nonfiction I have read in a long time and was so easily getting absorbed by the women's lives and stories.

It really brought the time period to life, and I appreciated that Nicholson took the time to look for women from all across the social strata, from girls born into privilege, those from the middle class, and those that had to work much harder for their tiny bits of freedom. But Nicholson’s book reveals a much darker side of life for what the glossy magazines of the day might have portrayed as a perfect wife. It’s a bit hard to keep track of who is who, especially since we do follow a few key women, and occasionally, I did wonder if I was missing the forest for the trees. David hated women who swore and told her instantly to take off her treasured pearl necklace, which he then confiscated for several years as a punishment until she learned not to swear. I don’t mean to say that I’m not grateful for you,” she tells him, “but I really hate that I’m expected by society to be super-grateful for the fact that you’re not totally worthless around the house.A wife who listens to good teaching and wise counsel will be better equipped to love her husband in various seasons: in times of triumph and tragedy, when he is easy to love and when he is difficult, before and after having children, and more. Additionally, she exhibits resilience in the face of challenges, helping the relationship withstand difficult times and emerge stronger.

The whole assumption which pervaded – almost unspoken – was: ‘You’re a bit of a freak, doing a man’s job, but thanks a lot .

Read more about the condition New: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. Regardless of gender, these qualities transcend stereotypes, offering insights into what it takes to create a strong and loving marital connection. Although she has mentors and role models, she remains authentic to her true self because that matters to her and her marriage. Sylvia Plath] was shocked by the bombed-out buildings still visible in English cities, the badly-made clothes.