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Hags

The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women

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About this listen

 'Rich, complex and witty' ROSE GEORGE, SPECTATOR

'Devastating and clever' BEL MOONEY, DAILY MAIL

'Could not be more necessary' RACHEL COOKE, OBSERVER

What is about women in their forties and beyond that seems to enrage - almost everyone?

In the last few years, as identity politics have taken hold, middle-aged women have found themselves talked and written about as morally inferior beings: the face of bigotry, entitlement and selfishness, to be ignored, pitied or abused.

In Hags, Victoria Smith asks why these women are treated with such active disdain. Each chapter takes a different theme - care work, beauty, violence, political organization, sex - and explores it in relation to middle-aged women's beliefs, bodies, histories and choices. Smith traces the attitudes she describes through history, and explores the very specific reasons why this type of misogyny is so very now. The result is a book that is absorbing, insightful, witty and bang on time.

Shortlisted for the Nero Book Awards announced 21 November 2023. ©2023 Victoria Smith (P)2023 Hachette Audio UK Gender Studies Social Sciences Witty Discrimination
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Listened to this once so far but will be listening to it a few more times to take in everything but just wanted to say it was wonderful to read 'out loud' what am sure most of us 'Hags' have thought as we hit 'haghood'. Young women should read/listen to this and at least take note of what is said even if they feel like the author when she was younger that what is being said is not applicable to them. An honest and open book - don't want to say too much and spoil it for others. I think all men should be made to read this as well - some will of course still look at older women with disgust and waste of space but hopefully some will realise their mums and other older females in their lives still have plenty to offer them and everyone.

Listening to another book to cleanse the palate and then will give it a second listen and will update this review if I feel I can add to it.

This old 'Hag' definitely recommends it.

Saying Out Loud....

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Very well written and now that I have listened feel like I need to read it also. All women should read this.

Well researched and written

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This is essential reading/listening for anyone interested in feminism. Smith’s writing is razor sharp and cuts straight to the bone, while remaining balanced and well researched.

An Important and Valuable Work

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Such a powerful argument. I’m a man who has always tried to be a good feminist, but I’ve definitely fallen into some of the traps Smith discusses here and I’m glad she has been able to put me right. I think anyone who is prepared to dive into this book will come out a better feminist than they were before.

Wonderful piece of work

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Brilliant and important book I will be recommending and gifting to the other hags in my life.

Important book

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