49 pages • 1 hour read
The Vagina Monologues
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Book Brief
272
Play • Fiction
1996
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Vagina Monologues by V (formerly Eve Ensler) is a play comprised of monologues exploring diverse experiences related to being a woman. V interviewed over 200 women for stories touching on themes like rape, menstruation, self-discovery, and pleasure. The 20th anniversary edition also includes "Spotlight Monologues" and details about the global activist movement V-Day. The text features graphic depictions of various forms of violence against women.
Emotional
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
38,607 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler is widely praised for its powerful, candid exploration of women's experiences and sexuality, promoting empowerment and social change. Critics commend its bold, unapologetic narrative, though some feel its approach can be overly provocative or lacks representation of all perspectives. It remains a significant, thought-provoking work.
Who Should Read The Vagina Monologues?
Readers who relish candid discussions on women's issues, similar to those found in The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, will appreciate The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler. This book is ideal for those interested in feminist literature and social justice, offering a profound exploration of female sexuality and empowerment.
38,607 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Narrator of “Hair”
Narrator of “Hair”
An anonymous woman recounts personal experiences, emphasizing relatable themes of societal pressure on women to conform to certain ideals.
The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy
The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy
A former tax lawyer turned sex worker, who revels in the liberation of personal and shared sexual discovery and expression.
Narrator of “They Beat the Girl Out of My Boy…Or So They Tried”
Narrator of “They Beat the Girl Out of My Boy…Or So They Tried”
A transgender woman's story capturing the journey of transitioning and the joys and challenges faced, based on multiple real-life interviews.
Narrator for “My Vagina Was My Village”
Narrator for “My Vagina Was My Village”
A Bosnian woman using her body metaphorically to describe the destruction and loss experienced during the Bosnian War.
Narrators in “Say It”
Narrators in “Say It”
A collective voice of comfort women from WWII, highlighting the stories of forced sexual enslavement and their historical marginalization.
272
Play • Fiction
1996
Adult
18+ years
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