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Book Reviews of Conundrum

Conundrum
Conundrum
Author: Jan Morris
ISBN-13: 9780805003611
ISBN-10: 0805003614
Publication Date: 10/1987
Pages: 176
Edition: Reissue
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 1

3.5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Henry Holt Company
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

4 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

coolelle avatar reviewed Conundrum on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Misogyny in All Its Faces

Beautifully written and revelatory, not just for her day, but today as well. But Ms. Morris has such a dim view of women that you can't help but wonder why she would want to become one. Her stereotypical views of the roles that women are supposed to play in society, her prejudices against the "feminine" Manchester Guardian, and her shallow understanding of women's passions, both sexual and otherwise, are straight out of the fifties. She talks down to women, underestimates women, and seems determined to shove women into her misconceptions.

I rejoice that we live in a world where a person who feels they've been born into the wrong body can, relatively easily, change that body to match the way they feel inside. And society, for the most part, accepts the newly regendered person without judgment. But even more, I rejoice that we are gradually changing the world into a place where women can be accepted as equals, thought of as thinking, rational human beings, and permitted to take part in all aspects of society. I hope Ms. Morris can learn to accept such a world the way this world has accepted her.
ATraveler avatar reviewed Conundrum on + 193 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I found this a well written story. Morris' story was presented in a rational and clear manner -- I think even those that would find this topic of transexuality uncomfortable would be able to enjoy this writing. I was fasitnated not by the topic but by the literary presentation. The writing amazed me.
reviewed Conundrum on + 25 more book reviews
From James to Jan-an extraordinary personal narrative of transsexualism. A singularly articulate & sensitive observer describes an experience made possible only recently through hormone treatments: the gradual sex change leading over a number of years to the final operation.
MPMP avatar reviewed Conundrum on + 30 more book reviews
Autobiography of author & foreign correspondent James Morris, married father of 5, who underwent a sex change operation and continued his successful literary career as Jan Morris. Published in 1974.