The Five-Star Weekend

All primary caregivers for a significant portion of their lives, Hollis Shaw, Brooke Kirtley, and Electra Undergrove illustrate the importance of nurturing an identity apart from their roles as wives and mothers. When Hollis dedicates more time to her career than they would like, she receives pushback from Matthew and Caroline. The conflict illustrates women’s struggle to build something for themselves. When Matthew fusses about Hollis having a photo shoot at their Nantucket house instead of enjoying the beach with him and Caroline, Hollis “wants to ask who spent the first two decades of Caroline’s life ‘hanging’ with her, but she feels guilty” (227). Even when Hollis recognizes that she is entitled to develop her professional identity, she battles guilt for not prioritizing her husband and daughter. Matthew missed several summer weekends for work priorities, yet he neither exhibited remorse nor received any negative feedback from his family. Hollis’s emotional response to her family’s critical view of her work highlights a relatable struggle for many women, especially mothers, who struggle to find a work-life balance. Hollis demonstrates an intense passion for her work, thriving while creating content for her subscribers.