Harpy

A Manifesto for Childfree Women

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Harpy

By: Caroline Magennis

Narrated by: Caroline Magennis

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About this listen

Each generation has more childfree women than the one before. For many, it is an active decision made for a wide range of reasons. Despite this growing trend, we continue to live in a society where women are often judged for deciding to remain childfree — for not conforming to narrow expectations. For being a Harpy.

In this timely and thoughtful book, Caroline Magennis looks beyond the often-divisive conversation around women who choose to be childfree and offers an alternative message of hope and celebration. With humor and intelligence, she explores why motherhood isn't right for everybody and how any woman — whether a parent or childfree — can live a full life, while also reminding the listener that your freedoms and the right to autonomy should never be taken for granted.

Gender Studies

Social Sciences

Witty

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As a woman who has been plagued with self-doubt and questioning, I always wondered whether the life choices I was making were my own or the product of societal pressures. Caroline’s analysis and breakdown of cultural and literary influences that mirrored my upbringing helped me better understand what gives me joy in my life and how I shouldn’t be ashamed to seek it out. A wonderful listen & read. I look forward to more from this author!

The joy in Caroline’s life and how she’s an unbias advocate for other people’s joy!

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I much needed, insightful and compassionate book which open our minds to other ways of living.

Worth every second

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I appreciated the insight into Irish culture's view on motherhood. However, this book felt more about childfree individuals showing solidarity with parents, understanding their perspective, and supporting them—both socially and in the workplace.

I was surprised by how childfree couples were portrayed as more withdrawn, while parents and single childfree individuals were shown as more engaged in their communities or caring for elderly or sick relatives. This framing stigmatizes childfree couples as selfish and reinforces the idea that women should take on caregiving roles.

I missed nuance in the discussion. I had hoped for a book that advocated for childfree people, addressed societal stigma in depth, and validated those who don’t like children or engage in conversations about them. And how to advocate for ourselves better. Instead, it encourages women to be caring and supportive of parents—who have long been the focus of advocacy. Childfree people remain a minority, and our voices are rarely heard.

not what I expected

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