Three Women

Taddeo explores how society perceives female sexuality as dangerous and subversive. Women who freely express and pursue the objects of their desire are critiqued and denounced—by both men and women. Taddeo opens and closes her narrative with her mother’s ominous warning to not let other women see her happiness because a woman’s struggles are more socially acceptable than the realization of her desires. This lesson is borne out through Taddeo’s interviews with Lina, Maggie, and Sloane’s communities. In terms of desire, Taddeo concludes that “nobody wanted anyone else, particularly a woman, to feel it” (304).

Taddeo implies that women feel less threatened when other women are unhappy, as opposed to when they are sexually liberated and exploring and enjoying their desires. These ingrained patriarchal structures, perpetuated and weaponized by women against other women, expect women to be selfless caretakers rather than independent, lustful, and desirous. Taddeo implies that there is a desire to see subversive women who prioritize their sexual needs fall. There is a sense that women who strive to achieve happy and passionate lives are presumptuous.

Lina’s support group expressed frustration at her restless unhappiness, believing that her comfortable house and stable marriage should be enough for her.