Marie's Reviews > Young Jane Young

This book felt like just what I needed! Funny, warm, and engaging, Young Jane Young captures what it’s like to be a woman at various stages of life. It highlights the stereotypes and cultural biases that we have not moved much beyond since the days of the Puritans and the writing of The Scarlet Letter. It characterizes several generations of women within the same family and their varied responses and attitudes toward similar situations. It is told from multiple perspectives and there is even a section from Jane Young’s perspective that puts the reader in the driver seat in a choose your own adventure format.

Young Jane Young is a twenty-something female who was born Aviva Grossman. Aviva Grossman works as a summer intern for Congressman Levin, who also happened to be a neighbor of hers when she was a child. They begin an affair despite the fact that he is much older, married and her employer. When they are found out, there is huge backlash against Aviva, but very little towards the Congressman. Aviva is unable to even get a job, which is incredibly disheartening as she was hoping to go into politics and had been doing an excellent job during the internship. The internet serves as her “scarlet letter” ruining her social life and any chances for a career. She feels there is nothing left to do except change her name and move out of state.

I don’t want to give too much away, but this book comes full circle with redemption, fulfillment, forgiveness and understanding all coming into play towards the end after a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Aviva is able to triumph over her past, first by escaping it, and later, by facing it head on at a time when she is much stronger and more self assured. This book is a huge slap in the face to the slut shaming that goes on in situations like these! This writing is powerfully feminist exposing gender inequalities and casual misogyny in today’s society. The women have their flaws, no doubt, however, they feel incredibly real and relatable. Even if the reader may not have made the same choices as these women, I think the reader can empathize with their choices through the context of the writing. The writing is wonderful, fun and enjoyable. This is a book out to prove a bit point, but does so with much humor and warmth along the way. I highly recommend this book to all women, young and old. It would make an excellent book club book, as there is so much to discuss as well as cheer for!

Thank you to Algonquin Books and netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

For discussion questions, please see: http://www.book-chatter.com/?p=2216.