Xinran

Xinran, a Chinese broadcaster who now lives and works in London at SOAS, wrote a collection of pieces about Chinese women. They are sober reading. For anyone who wonders why feminists can still be so persistent when so much of what they fought for seems to have been achieved, this is the answer. As increasing numbers of women now we apparently have freedom to choose, aim to return to full time homemaking, we’re in danger of believing that feminism was a lot of fuss about nothing. I think the ability to choose to work or not to work is a fantastic, and important choice, and still not enjoyed by many people. But having recently made just such a choice, I’m glad I came across this book. It’s reminded me how difficult getting here was, and continues to be for many women across the world. I recommend it. It’s got some tough stories, but I also found it uplifting.