Another way of looking at the world

Am I a Feminist? Are You?

by Mary Kenny (New Island Books, €13.95)

Those who can recall earlier manifestations of Mary Kenny might be daunted by a title so redolent of the #metoo generation and the fierce quarrels of the present day gender wars.

But the present-day Mary is a person of great experience as well as keen social observation, and this new book of hers it to be warmly recommended. It is very far from being a tract of any kind.

Some 84 short essays or observations on a very wide range of issues all related to feminism in some sense, but of greater relevance to every reader from their 20s to their 90s. Mary is not afraid of expressing her thoughts and opinions, but remembers she is not only a journalist concentrating her own experiences into weekly copy, but as a social historian, the author of several valuable books.

All her talents are combined in these essays, which gain a great deal by being short and very much to the point no matter what the topic or controversy. As she presents it, feminism takes on a broader and perhaps more humane, not so say human aspect, with a relevance for everyone (whatever their gender).

Her perspectives on social changes of all kinds make this an immensely valuable book, with a social Irish interest, despite her international outlook.

A range of Mary Kenny writings for a wide range of publications can be read at www.mary-kenny.com