Bechdel Test...Wednesday

Wednesday again? Gosh darnit! Better a day late than never I suppose…

Well, as many of you have heard already, this will be my last post of the week because tomorrow I’m heading to New Orleans until Sunday for vacation. Yay me! I know you’ll all miss me terribly but I just gotta get outta here. Warm weather here I come :)

But I’ll leave you with this last lovely Bechdel Test posting, even though it’s not being posted on its correct day. Grrr. Lately it just seems I have so much other posting that needs to be done on Tuesday that this meme of mine has to get pushed around a bit. Oh well.

Now, last time I covered The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro because I had recently finished it (that review will have to wait until next week because I just don’t have time to do so before I leave). So I’m going to keep going with books I’ve recently finished and do…

The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells

1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?
Nope!

And we’re done in ONE!! In fact, that book doesn’t have a single woman in it. Well, there are some man-beasts that the main character thinks are female but I don’t think that really counts. And besides, they don’t speak.

It’s been a while since a book has failed right out of the gate. Otherwise the book is really phenomenal. You should read the review I posted last week because if I do say so myself, I wrote a pretty kick-ass review.

I’ll be back on Monday kids! You better miss me in the meantime ;)

Bechdel Test...Wednesday?

Ugh, the procrastinator in me just can't seem to post my meme on the right day! But at least it's happening :) That's right, the Bechdel Test is back in action people! For more info just check out this handy dandy link.

Last time around Little Women passed the test with flying colors (which was none too surprising). This week I decided to test my most recently finished book since it's still fresh in my mind. It's another Kazuo Ishiguro, and he's played this game before. His book Never Let Me Go passed the test back in March. Can he go 2 for 2? Let's find out!

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?
Yes it does. But really only one MAIN character that's a woman.

2. Do they talk to each other?
Boo. No. Ishiguro implies conversation between two of them, but that's all you get...

Whomp whomp. Can't win em all I guess. It's still a marvelous book though. My review is coming soon, after my review that I'm still lagging behind on (The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells).

Until next time :)

Bechdel Test...Wednesday?

Whoops, I didn't post my meme yesterday! Alright, well I don't have much time so here goes...if you don't know about the Bechdel Test, here's a handy dandy link: click on me!

Sorry I didn't do this last week but I was busy getting ready for my Giveaway. Haven't entered yet? Don't worry, there's still time but just one more week :) Did everyone read my Bechdel Test of The Road that I posted 2 weeks ago like good little followers? Good.

Moving on...

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?
Um duh, yes! It's a book entitled LITTLE WOMEN!
2. Do they talk to each other?
Constantly!
3. About something besides a man?
Why of course!

It would be a sad state of affairs if this delightful novel, one of my favorites growing up, that was full of women didn't have a single scene where they didn't talk of men. But don't worry readers, it consists of several! What a fantastic book! Must re-read it someday in the near future...

Tune in next week...and I'm off!

Bechdel Test Tuesday!

It's time for another Bechdel Test Tuedsday! Woohoo! Did everyone catch my special All-Bronte Edition last week? No? Well then you should click on that link I just graciously left you and check it out! Also if you're unfamiliar with what the Bechdel Test is...go here.

Now I know you've all been waiting eagerly all day for my awesome meme so I'll just get right to it:

The Road by Cormac McCarthy
1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?
Well, this is tricky. Technically I guess I have to say yes but really I'm leaning more towards a no. The first woman is the mother and the second woman only shows up at the very very end and I forget if she even utters a single word...
2. Do they talk to each other?
Obviously based on what I just answered for Question #1, no.

Too bad. This is one of my favorite books. Better luck mext week!

And please, if you have any suggestions for books you would like me to feature or read, let me know! And I'm always looking for good ideas via Twitter (see my follow me button located to the right).

Bechdel Test Tuesday!

It's a kind of special week for the Bechdel Test here at the Sarcastic Female Literary Circle. How? I'm highlighting more than one book! For a quick overview of how the test works, check here. Oh, and for those of you that didn't catch my meme last week, it was on Kazuo Ishiguro's haunting tale: Never Let Me Go.

Alright, well I was considering making today's test an All Bronte Test (since I have now read something by all three Bronte sisters) but I have been struggling all day to remember exactly how Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte would apply to these questions and I'm at a loss. I know it had more than one woman but I cannot honestly remember what they talked about. So if you all have better memories than I do and can help me with the grade on that one, let me know in the comments!


But on to the other two sisters...


Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?
It most certainly does. May I also just say this is my favorite book of all time so I'm REALLY pulling for this to pass...
2. Do they talk to each other?
Yes they do! Okay, two questions down. Just one to go. Can it make it?
3. About something besides a man?
YES! While Mr. Rochester and St. John are frenquent topics of conversation among the women in the book that is definitely not ALL they discuss. Morals, education, and their own thoughts and dreams are some of the other things the women talk about amongst themselves. So...

I'm so happy! :)


Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte
1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?
This also has many women in it.
2. Do they talk to each other?
The book is actually mostly women talking to each other. Very few men.
3. About something besides a man?
Another yes! Again while men are certainly discussed it is just one of the topics. You'll hear about some of the others when I post my review later this week...

Well books are just passing left and right today!


So, this was a good day then huh? Let me know about Wuthering Heights in the comments if you can. What do you think of the Bronte sisters?

Bechdel Test Tuesday!

Alright loyal readers...do you know what day it is? Oh course you do! It's Bechdel Test Tuesday (I mean, you can read the title of the post right?)! First time stopping by my awesome meme? Take a gander at this link to learn all about it.

Now, last week was a sad day when the one of the ultimate sci-fi novels of our time, 2001: A Space Odyssey, crashed and burned. And it had to happen on one of the happiest days of the year: International Women's Day and Mardi Gras. Whomp whomp. Hopefully things will turn out better this time around. Let's gather round and see!


Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?
Yes it does. Several women in fact. We're off to a better start then last week...
2. Do they talk to each other?
Again yes. Many many times throughout the book.
3. About something besides a man?
YES! While some of the conversations definitely revolve around men, many DO NOT. The book is very complex and deals with a lot of raw human emotions and...well you just have to read it to find out but HOORAY!

A book has once again passed with flying colors. I feel like it's been a while. And seriously, if you haven't read this piece of literary fiction, pick it up. It's very creepy and eerie but also has a lot of beauty to it. Made me want to read more of Ishiguro's stuff.


Until next time :)

Bechdel Test Tuesday!

Here we go! Hip hip hooray! I guess I’m in a cheery mood today. Maybe because it’s International Women’s Day? And Mardi Gras? Yes, those must be the reasons :) Also it’s…Bechdel Test Tuesday! For the newcomers, here’s a link to understand the concept of the my weekly meme.

I tried my very best last week to give Philip Roth a pardon with his book The Human Stain…but sorry! No cigar! This week, possibly the most famous science fiction novel of all-time is on trial. Will it survive the test? Let’s find out…
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?
NO. Oh my goodness, it’s already over? One of the most remarkable books of the 20th Century doesn’t make it passed the first question?

Unfortunately the sci-fi genre has always been heavily dominated by and marketed towards men so I shouldn’t be too surprised. But it’s still sad. And on International Women’s Day of all days!
But I can’t let it get me down. I haven’t read any Octavia Butler yet, so there’s hope. Who knows what is in store next week.

Oh and...laissez les bon temps rouler!

Bechdel Test Tuesday!

It’s that time of the week again. You know it. I know it…It’s Bechdel Test Tuesday! Did you say it like a game show host as I’ve told you to do in the past? If not, then I’m very disappointed in you. Need a refresher on my meme? Simply follow this easily accessible link (now you have to imagine a Vana White-like character gesturing to the link).


Well, last week the book Fahrenheit 451 kinda, sorta passed the challenge (go and take a look for yourself to see what I mean). This week I thought since I’ve been sooo hard on the misogynistic author Philip Roth lately (see here and here), I’d give him a chance to redeem himself. So here it is…


The Human Stain by Philip Roth
1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?
Yes. I don’t remember how many but only two have really significant parts in the book.
2. Do they talk to each other?
Nope. I mean, I assume they talk to each other in some capacity in their fictional lives, but Roth doesn’t show that because the book is all about the misogynistic and racist jerk, Coleman Silk. In fact, the two women (one of which is sleeping with him and the other of which is definitely NOT) seem to be positively obsessed with him. Especially the woman that ISN’T sleeping with him. It’s sickening.

So surprise surprise. Roth is out in two. FAIL!


The Bechdel Test will return next week with an all new book! Any ideas for books you’d like me to feature? Shout it out in the comments.

Also tune in tomorrow for my review of Erik Larson’s book Isaac’s Storm (hint: it was great!).

Bechdel Test Tuesday!

Here we go again…it’s Bechdel Test Tuesday! Who’s excited (all of you I know!)? I’ve gotten a bunch of new followers in the last week thanks to an awesome blog hop I participated in so if you’re unfamiliar with my really cool weekly meme than here’s a quick overview of what the Bechdel Test is all about. The twist is that I use this for books (oooo...ahhhh...)

Last week that wonderful bard (Shakespeare) was unfortunately given a failing grade for his play, Othello (my review will be up tomorrow). What’s going to happen this week? It’s anyone’s guess! Get ready for it…

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?

Well yes. I think maybe 3 or 4. Definitely more than 2 though.

2. Do they talk to each other?

Arg. Yes. But not much. I think there is like one “scene” where a couple women talk during Guy Montag’s (the protagonist) semi-freak-out at his house.

3. About something besides a man?

Yes. But again, it’s very brief. They do talk about a man (the protagonist) but also other things. But I wouldn’t say this is a great shining example of passing this test.

Yeah, so not an A+ or anything, but not failing either. It’s nice to mix it up a bit I think anyway.

Come back next time for another nail-biting installment of Bechdel Test Tuesday! And if you have any suggestions for future titles to be featured, please leave them in the comments :)

Bechdel Test Tuesday!

Welcome back for another exciting addition of Bechdel Test Tuesday! Now you have to shout that last part like a game show host, otherwise it’s simply not as fun. Are you all as pumped as I am (of course you are!)? First time looking in on my awesome weekly meme? Well then here’s a quick overview of what the Bechdel Test is all about.

Well, last week the book Rebecca passed the challenge with flying colors! Will it be quite so simple for the book I pick this time around? It’s time to find out. Let's step up to the plate with…Othello!

Othello by William Shakespeare

1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?

It does. Though not a lot. Only 3 women total.

2. Do they talk to each other?

Only 2 of them talk to each other: Desdemona and her maid, Emilia.

3. About something besides a man?

Nope nope nope nope nope! Unfortunately Emilia and Desdemona do have lengthy conversations but it is ENTIRELY about Othello! What's he thinking? Why is he acting like this? Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

Sorry Shakespeare. I’m going to have to fail you. But I had a feeling it was coming with what this play was about and all…better luck next time!

Tune in next week for another awesome installment of Bechdel Test Tuesday! And if you have any suggestions for future titles to be featured, please leave them in the comments :)

Bechdel Test Tuesday!

After how much my followers liked it last week (okay really it was mostly me, but it's my blog so there) I've decided to make this a weekly meme. So introducing Bechdel Test Tuesdays!

For those of you that didn't read that awesome post of mine (tsk tsk) you can learn more about what the Bechdel Test is by going to this website.

The twist for THIS blog is that I use the Bechdel Test on books. Exciting right? I thought so!

Now, last week Jenny O requested a specific book for my next Bechdel Test so ask and you shall receive Jenny! Without further ado...

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier 

1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?

Why yes. The main character in fact is a woman. As is the villain. How exciting. There are even more than two.

2. Do they talk to each other?

At length.

3. About something besides a man?

OF COURSE! The book is named Rebecca so it wouldn't surprise you to learn, would it, that most of the novel (the excellent excellent novel) is spent with both the protagonist and villain literally obsessing about...dun dun dun...Rebecca!

So there you have it. Rebecca passes with flying colors :) Join us again next Tuesday for another exciting installment of Bechdel Test Tuesdays!

And please, if you have any requests for a book to be featured, please don't be shy. It's quite possible that I have read or will read the book in the future (especially if you suggest I should read the book). And I LOVE comments! Until next time!!

The Bechdel Book Test

So my work has decided to be extra nice this week and give me two days off because of the massive blizzard. Woohoo! Except now I’m getting a major sense of claustrophobia…not woohoo. What to do about it? Blog post time!

Has anyone here heard of the Bechdel Test for movies? Well essentially it’s a checklist of three important factors to look out for in movies in regards to women (and you’d be surprised how few times the goal is met).

And the checklist goes:

1. It has to have at least 2 women in it (and the women have to be named);

2. Who talk to each other; and

3. About something besides a man.

Now this checklist seems simple enough but really once you start thinking about the popular movies out now it becomes surprisingly difficult to check off all three of these. Just take a look at the link I provided up above! Although, I must say, I looked at this list about a year ago and it is looking better…

Anyway, I figured, on this lovely snowy day, that I’d try to apply this to the last 6 books I’ve read and reviewed. Just for a fun little test.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?

Most certainly yes. Many many female characters.

2. Do they talk to each other?

Constantly!

3. About something besides a man?

While they do talk a lot about men, they also talk about other things, such as Mary’s crabbing about not being able to go to dinner because her son is sick and then shoving him off on Anne. And of course Anne and Mrs. Smith’s conversations.

So Persuasion, I would say, passes the Test with flying colors. Next!

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

1. Does it have at least 2 women in it?

That's a negative! At least not named women to my recollection

Whomp whomp. Failed right out of the gate. Next!