The 1960s were transformative years for America, particularly for women. Coming out of the 1950s, many women felt constrained by limiting gender roles. However, in the early 1960s, feminism had not yet taken deep root. Women began to ask spiritual questions about whether there was more to life than being “well behaved.” This book chronicles women’s challenges of this era while shining light on repressive issues like domestic violence.
Ruth Applebaum is a newlywed with a law degree. She is supposed to be studying for the bar exam and lives with her husband in Philadelphia in her in-laws’ attic. Her mother died when Ruth was a child, so she is seeking to live her life without a traditional model. Secrets constrain her. She does not share with her in-laws that she has legal aspirations because she is afraid to buck the social pressure of being the perfect housewife. Jewish family culture is featured prominently in this story – a trait I love.
Ruth’s mother-in-law suggests that she take etiquette lessons. While at first insulted, she decides to join a group run by a neighbor Lillian. During these lessons, Ruth discovers a small group of friends joined by their early stage in life. Yet Ruth’s persistent questioning, honed by Columbia Law School education, leads this group to self-awakening – including Lillian, their well-behaved leader, with her own private history.
Soon, a case of domestic violence emerges. Ruth has experience in these cases because of hopes of serving in this aspect of family law. She discovers, however, that each member of her group has their own attitude and issues towards this case. They learn that telling the truth to friends is much more important than keeping secrets. And each grows past her sticking point. By the end of the novel, they are set to move on with their lives and with the unfolding of the 1960s.
As I write 60 years later, it’s easy to forget the expanse of social progress that has been made through decades of struggles for women’s rights. Novels like this – set in history and in touch with the struggles of the age – can joggle readers’ historical memory. It can refocus and deepen current efforts. Nathan clearly wants to explore the history of domestic violence and the oppressive social structures that perpetuated it. Unfortunately, women of that era were encouraged to keep such things private, and many lived under the false pretense that “things like that can’t happen here.” Those situations still happen today though there are more established mechanisms to help. We are reminded of our own personal histories and how difficulties confront us still today.
Well Behaved Wives: A Novel
By Amy Sue Nathan
Copyright (c) 2022
Lake Union
ISBN13 9781542025
Page Count: 309
Genre: Historical Fiction
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