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Florence Given
Florence Given writes about modern feminism and self-worth. Her books include Women Don't Owe You Pretty, Girlcrush, and Women Living Deliciously.
Women Don't Owe You Pretty
Women Don't Owe You Pretty
- Pages
- 224
- Published
- 2020
- Language
- English
Synopsis
Florence Given argues that women are not obligated to be pretty, likeable or palatable to earn a place in the world. This book sets out to dismantle that expectation piece by piece. Written when Given was twenty-one, it takes on the male gaze, body image, consent, boundaries, heteronormativity and slut-shaming. Its connecting argument is that appearance is not rent paid for occupying space marked female.
Rather than a single continuous argument, the book reads as a series of short essays and personal reflections, each paired with Given's own bold illustrations. She also stages an imagined talk with her younger self and adds checklists and questions for the reader to sit with. It asks a reader to examine their own habits, rather than just follow the author's. The tone is direct and unapologetic.
It is pitched as an entry point into modern feminism for readers meeting these ideas for the first time, particularly younger women raised on social media. Its subjects, from gaslighting to racial fetishism, reach past any one age group. Since its 2020 publication it has sold widely and spent months near the top of the UK charts.
Genres
Frequently asked questions
Who is Florence Given's target audience?
Florence Given's target audience for "Women Don't Owe You Pretty" is primarily young women. The book addresses themes of feminism, self-love, and societal expectations relevant to this demographic.
What inspired Florence Given to write Women Don't Owe You Pretty?
Florence Given drew inspiration from her popular Instagram illustrations and candid discussions about feminism and self-worth, expanding on these themes to create a more comprehensive guide for young women.
How does this book relate to Florence Given's other work?
This book is Florence Given's debut, establishing the core themes of self-love, challenging patriarchal norms, and reclaiming autonomy that she continues to explore in her subsequent creative endeavors.