Self-indulgent Feminism (Press, 28 December 1985)
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Summary: Self-indulgent Feminism (Press, 28 December 1985)
Published in 1985, "Running Backwards Over Sand" by Stephanie Dowrick is a lengthy novel that has garnered a mixed review from Diane Prout. Dowrick, an expatriate New Zealander residing in Australia, draws on her background as a co-founder of the Women’s Press and a recipient of the Pandora Award for her literary exploration of sexual roles between men and women. The narrative revolves around the character of Zoe Delighty, whose story is shaped by her tumultuous family relationships, including the early death of her mother and the impact of a strict Catholic education enforced by her father. Zoe's journey takes her from New Zealand to London and Berlin, reflecting her struggle with emotional dependency on her German lover, coupled with his rejection and her quest for independence as a woman. Prout describes the writing as idiosyncratic yet overly verbose, particularly criticising the explicitness of the lesbian love scenes and suggesting that Dowrick's literary style often resembles pretentiousness. The novel includes insights into Zoe’s formative years, marked by striking characterisations, particularly from her childhood experiences, with references to literary figures like Katherine Mansfield adding depth. However, Prout finds the book suffers from excessive self-consciousness in its philosophical dialogues, particularly in settings like German café society, which appear stagy rather than authentic. Though "Running Backwards Over Sand" tackles significant women's issues, Prout argues that the narrative leans too heavily into polemic territory, losing the essence of a well-structured novel. She expresses frustration with Zoe's self-indulgence, implying that a more grounded approach would have been preferable, and likens Zoe's challenges to what a more pragmatic writer like Jane Austen would have resolved succinctly. Overall, while the novel has moments of merit, it ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling narrative due to its overwriting and tendency toward self-absorption.
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