Women As Subjects, Looking Out (Press, 3 September 1988)

On 3 September 1988, Sharon Hunter reviewed "New Women’s Fiction," edited by Aorewa McLeod and published by New Women’s Press. This collection, consisting of previously unpublished works by both established and aspiring New Zealand women writers, follows the controversial first collection. Critics had mixed reactions to the earlier edition, notably Anne Kennedy, who described it as “a not very remarkable collection,” despite contributing a story titled “A veil dropped from a great height” for the new anthology. The primary distinction of this new collection is its portrayal of women as active subjects rather than passive objects. The stories reflect a significant shift, showcasing women taking control of their destinies. For example, in Suzi Pointon’s “Shark Alert,” a woman is humiliated by a man on the beach but ultimately triumphs over the situation, highlighting resilience and agency. Similarly, Stephanie Johnson’s “The Invisible Hand” features a single mother who runs a phone sex business, managing to provide for her child while asserting her independence, despite societal disapproval from her feminist peers. The collection also includes narratives about lesbian relationships, some of which echo the more challenging dynamics often seen in heterosexual partnerships. M. A. Sotheran’s story “A body like that” explores issues of body image and self-acceptance in a same-sex relationship, while Sue Reidy’s “Dog Boy” examines the pitfalls of emotional entanglement and the desire for freedom from overpowering bonds. However, not all stories fit seamlessly into the contemporary setting of the late 1980s. Elizabeth Smither’s “The Girl Who Loved Mathematics” tells the story of a gifted young girl whose educational opportunities are stifled by her father's decision to withdraw her from school, evoking a narrative more characteristic of earlier decades. Overall, "New Women’s Fiction" presents a rich and hopeful landscape of narratives that reflect a wide array of experiences and perspectives, empowering women and encouraging an assertive exploration of personal and social realities. The collection is noted for its fluent writing and promise, embodying a significant contribution to New Zealand literature.

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