What did you think of the gender dynamics in the different marriages in the novel? How were these dynamics a product of the characters' times?

What did you think of the gender dynamics in the different marriages in the novel? How were these dynamics a product of the characters' times?

As women's rights progressed and women no longer needed men to sustain the lifestyle desired, women became more vocal and more willing to let their opinions known. Men still feel threatened by a strong woman (as I see in my husband's comments everyday); however, women can no longer be ignored.

I think, in general, the gender dynamics of the marriages reflect the times. As time moved on in the novel, the women felt more comfortable to reflect their thoughts.

I think the gender dynamics were accurately described. At the beginning of the book the men were respected as the head of the household and the authority, but as the story progressed and women came into their own right, women's voices were heard.

In the early part of the story the men were firmly in control, the source of both funding and direction. As the story progressed, control broadened. Evelyn maintained a sort of behind the scenes control while giving her husband the appearance of dominance. Joan, moving beyond social norms to a relationship with a Jewish man, appeared to flout convention (though that did not work out in the end.). Evie's marriage was much more open and equal. This parallels the development of relationships between men and women generally of the time period covered in the story.

Agree with others who have commented. I think the dynamics were reflective of the time periods & they changed throughout the book as the world became more progressive.

Each marriage was typical of it's era, Evelyn was raised to prop her husband up as the head of the household, the Alpha, and yet she was very much involved behind the scenes. With future generations the women assumed more power, but true to their upbringing, often let the men think they were always in charge - even Evie, raised during the feminist era, accomplished in her own right, felt her husband was smarter, stronger etc. It is only when her back was against the wall and they were disagreeing about the future of the Island and her grandparent's past did she begin to fight for her beliefs.

I agree with everyone above. Each couple fit the era.

I also agree that each marriage reflected its era. I was most touched by Joan's story. She was independent and daring for her generation, but still found her life constrained by the societal norms and expectations of the time. I wish we had more details about the mother-daughter relationship between Joan and Evie. Surely Joan encouraged Evie to work for the level of independence and equality that Joan had wished for herself.