The easy way to understand the New York Times bestseller released by Bloomsbury
Three Women is a life-story collection that can’t be ignored.
It was written by American journalist and author Lisa Taddeo and published in 2019 by Bloomsbury Circus.
In short, the biography “is a record of unmet needs, unspoken thoughts, disappointments, hopes and unrelenting obsessions”.
However, notably the Sunday Times and New York Times No. 1 bestseller has garnered sweeping endorsement from authors Elizabeth Gilbert to Marian Keyes and actor Gwyneth Paltrow.
And it has won numerous prizes including the British Book Awards Non-Fiction Narrative Book of the Year 2020.
Indeed the 320-page book is the result of eight years of reporting by Taddeo and has much to interest readers plus those sitting down to write life stories …
Related article – Best life stories of 2020: Award-winning books to read this holiday season
What is Three Women about?
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo is, as the title says, the life stories of three women.
And these include student Maggie, housewife Lina and business owner Sloane.
Each lives in a different part of the United States and comes from a different background.
However, the women all struggle with one thing: love.
Indeed this is not your usual love story but centres around taboo love and desire.
For example, a teacher-student relationship, a marital affair and a swinging open marriage.
“It’s the nuances of desire that hold the truth of who we are at our rawest moments.”
Related article – Book review: Walkley award-winning Fallen by investigative journalist Lucie Morris-Marr
Highlights of Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
There are many interesting and intriguing parts to Three Women by Lisa Taddeo.
Firstly, the revealing details of the women’s lives and relationships.
Certainly these are graphic and range from French kissing to threesomes.
In short, this is not a sedate romcom so be ready for some X-rated intimacy!
Second is how committed Taddeo was to telling the women’s stories.
Indeed she interviewed many before settling on these three.
And even moved to the towns where they lived to better understand their lives.
The final element that stood out was the public nature of Maggie Wilken’s ‘vampire love’ story.
For example, her story is the only one where real names are used.
This was because of a sensational court case, which is detailed in the book.
“A brilliant teacher like Aaron Knodel could have been the catalyst that propelled (Maggie) into a lifetime of confidence and greatness. Instead, he became the opposite.”
Related article – Life-story interview: How to set-up an interview + family interview tips
Lisa Taddeo and writing ideas
Three Women has much to show us as fellow life-story writers.
Firstly is the way Lisa Taddeo uses dialogue.
Certainly she uses much speech but it is unconventionally without punctuation.
However, after a while, the dialogue comes across like a stream of consciousness.
The second thing of note is the beautiful cover with its simple and to-the-point title.
The image of a bunch of fruit, symbolically in various states of ripeness, is the oil-on-board A Garland of Fruit by Cornelis de Heem (1631–1695), of the Netherlands.
Finally Taddeo’s use of theme makes for a powerful read.
Indeed from the first to the final page she effectively ties each story back to the core message of love and desire.
Therefore the result is a well-flowing book that makes you think and understand relationships in a new way.
“I set out to register the heat and sting of female want so that men and other women might more easily comprehend before they condemn.”
Related article – Dialogue like a pro: See how easily you can use speech marks and quotes in writing
Related article – Book covers: How to create a memorable cover design
Final say: Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo is a unique and powerful biography.
It lives up to the hype of being a revealing and addictive page turner.
Certainly love is a common writing topic but this book shines a light on its uncommon sides.
And it clearly shows that lives and relationships are more complex than meets the eye.
So read Three Women to question and expand your assumptions and views.
Finally, if you like the book, look out for Animal, Taddeo’s first novel, due out June 24.
Happy writing and reading!
*Please note: Contact emergency services if you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence. If you are affected by this story and want to seek assistance, see: 1800RESPECT, Kids Help Line, Lifeline, Beyondblue.
Free gift!
Want to create a life story like Lisa Taddeo? I show you how to make a basic outline in the free video training, Structure Success. Sign up here!
Your say
What do you think of Three Women? Do you have a life-story book review idea? I always love hearing from different people. Drop me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.
Get in touch
Got a question or an idea for an article on planning, creating, polishing or publishing a life story? You can let me know here!
Don’t miss an article
Get instant notifications when new material is published. Sign up here!
