19 Comments

Such an interesting piece. Whether all was true about her life or not she was prolific and a true activist for sure.

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Wow this is so interesting! I’ve never heard of Tille Olsen, but she sounds like an incredible writer and feminist icon. It’s interesting that she made up a lot about herself, though x

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I know! :)

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A fascinating essay, thanks Kate. Whatever the complete truth, her story is nonetheless remarkable.

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Absolutely! Thanks for reading :)

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Her journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a celebrated writer and activist is truly remarkable.

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Isn't it? Such a fascinating person to study :)

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Oh I totally agree with you Kate 🙂

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What a huge amount of interesting views and discussions this very interesting article could provoke. Feminism was (is?) needed as a movement, but from my perspective, having been a child back in the 1950’s, I feel privy to having experienced (witnessed), many changes in society. Not all for the better.

Acknowledging the needs of women on all levels and through the ages, one aspect which saddens me now, is that - just maybe - children today have lost precious early pre school years spent with non working mothers. This is not to say that all mothers should (or can), choose to have the luxury of experiencing these formative years, but it does sadden me that so many choose to work then.

This is scratching the surface of a huge debate, but I do ponder on such questions!

Thank you for a very interesting introduction to another writer I’d not heard of.

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Thanks, Dorinda, I'm glad you enjoyed reading and found the discussions interesting. I'm also glad to have introduced you to a new writer! As to your comments regarding the debate over working mothers, I think it's such a complex and nuanced topic, isn't it? I think a lot of it comes down, in the end, to personal choices and living with them, which is what feminism and equality should be all about. I think a lot of issues arise (for me, anyway) when fathers are not open to anywhere close to as much scrutiny as mothers (working or otherwise). These are the kinds of questions that fuel my research and this newsletter! Thank you for reading :)

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Ps it’s too huge a subject to discuss all nuances, but I’m so glad that we have the luxury of personal choices now!

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Here, here! As an aside, I am writing a follow-up post tomorrow discussing some of these themes further. I have referenced some of your ideas here as I think they are relevant to the discussion - I hope that's ok! :)

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Thankyou, yes that’s fine!

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Thanks! I will reading Tillie’s writing.

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That's great to hear! :)

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What an amazing look at the way a life’s struggles can lead to great writing, if motivated with a cause.

In regards to mixed race families in fiction, I listened to a really wonderful podcast recently about Flash Dance that speaks of this in film. I think you would like it! Starts slow, then totally captivating.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2knIpKu9kcl0doRtCHLQxl?si=Rh5_R8mWQGmwP0Rgn-_uAQ

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Thanks! I will checl it out, love a good podcast :)

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Yonnondio is one of my all-time favorite novels. I loved reading this to learn a bit more about Olsen’s childhood!

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That's great, she is such an interesting writer!

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