Marilyn French on her new novel, In the Name of Friendship

In 1977 The Women’s Room sparked controversy and forever altered the consciousness of a generation of women. Now, almost thirty years later, Marilyn French brings us In the Name of Friendship. Her Circle Ezine talks with the author about feminism, politics, and friendship in the new millenium.

Q: The book is set in the year 2000. Was there any significance to writing it at the opening of a new millenium?

A: Yes, there was great significance. When I wrote The Women’s Room I wanted to tell the truth about the 1950s. After feminism arose, things changed for women. I wanted to complete that circle, to show that things have changed for, at least, educated women.

Q: In what way have things changed for women?

A: Since feminism, women can befriend each other. Feminism has increased this tendency. When my mother was young, she couldn’t be in public alone without a man—not even to have a cup of coffee. It’s still that way in Russia, though foreigners can have a social life. But for the most part, women today have the freedom to be social with one another.

Q: Do you think the current conservative political climate is a threat to such freedoms? Should we be on guard?

A: I am very concerned—and not just for women, but for men as well. The issue of child bearing is central to women’s freedom, and I do think we are facing the possibility of a reversal of Roe vs. Wade. Women still don’t have control over their bodies. Abortion is our only guarantee.

Q: Some people feel that the current generation of young women is not fully aware of this threat, that a sense of entitlement has led to complacency. Do you think young women are prepared for a fight?

A: I don’t know about that. I do think that girls feel more entitlement than the older generation, particularly that they feel entitled to their sexual experiences, to the experience of pleasure. Popular culture has fostered that. One image that comes to mind is that of a stripper. Some people consider this a powerful image for women, but I don’t agree. Perhaps I am getting too old (laugh). Popular culture views women as objects. I have to wonder, does a woman get real pleasure from that?

Q: Do any of the characters in your book feel entitlement?

A: No, none of the characters feel entitlement.
Q: You said that your goal for this book was to come full circle from the past. How did you go about creating characters to achieve this goal? Were the women modeled off of anyone?

A: They weren’t modeled off of anyone in particular. They are a combination of traits. And I love these women. I loved every day of working on this book. I was almost sad when I finished it. I miss them. They are my children.
Q: Do you consider this latest work is your masterpiece?

A: Well, my friend suggested that it is. But I’m not sure. I really can’t speak to that. I love all of my children.

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