In Our Time: Memoir of a Revolution

In Our Time: Memoir of a Revolution captures the feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s through Susan Brownmiller's firsthand account as an activist and journalist. The book chronicles the key events, conflicts, and personalities that shaped second-wave feminism in the United States. Brownmiller details the formation of consciousness-raising groups, protests, and organizations that defined the women's liberation movement. She recounts her involvement in major campaigns for reproductive rights, workplace equality, and against violence toward women. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive documentation, Brownmiller portrays the movement's internal debates and external opposition. The narrative includes profiles of central figures like Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and Kate Millett. The memoir serves as both historical record and commentary on how grassroots activism transformed American society and culture. Through its examination of conflict and change, the book raises questions about the nature of social movements and the price of progress.

Readers appreciate Brownmiller's first-hand account of second-wave feminism and her detailed documentation of the movement's key moments from 1968-1975. Many note the book serves as a valuable historical record of feminist activism and consciousness-raising groups. Criticisms focus on Brownmiller's self-centered narrative style, with multiple readers describing her as "egotistical" and "score-settling." Some readers point out factual errors and dispute her portrayals of other feminist leaders. Several reviews mention the book dwells too much on internal movement conflicts rather than achievements. "She remembers everything as being about her," notes one Amazon reviewer. Another writes, "Important history but the author's personality gets in the way." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (14 ratings) Library Thing: 3.8/5 (8 ratings) The book receives stronger ratings from readers interested in feminist history compared to general audiences.

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📚 Susan Brownmiller initially conceived the book while organizing her personal papers for donation to Harvard's Schlesinger Library, realizing she had witnessed a crucial period in feminist history. 🗣️ The title "In Our Time" was inspired by the women's movement slogan "Sisterhood is Powerful in Our Time," which became popular during consciousness-raising sessions in the 1960s. ✍️ Brownmiller spent five years conducting over 200 interviews with feminist activists and movement participants to create a comprehensive account of second-wave feminism. 🔍 The book covers the period from 1968 to 1975, which Brownmiller considers the most radical phase of the women's movement, focusing on grassroots activism rather than legislative achievements. 📖 Before writing this memoir, Brownmiller was already famous for her groundbreaking 1975 book "Against Our Will: Men, Women, and Rape," which transformed public understanding of sexual violence.