Should this novel be on a reading list for a women's history/literature class?

The author makes references to the women's suffrage still pending, primitive methods of birth control, and venereal disease (transmitted by a woman's husband) being categorized as a "female disturbance", and also more enduring issues such as Zelda not knowing how finance worked. How would this novel be perceived as part of the syllabus for a women;s lit class?

.

I think this would be a worthy addition for woman's history. From their relationship, to Zelda's mental illness, his alcoholism, their lackadaisical parenting, their famous friends, and their writing ambitions and careers I think there would be plenty to discuss.

I think it would be a good choice, but only if it was supplemented with writings that Zelda wrote herself. I think without the supplemental reading of her work this would be too slight of consideration of the reality of Zelda's life.

ABSOLUTELY...great period novel and insight into the lives of F.Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald...this author did her research.

I think it raises many issues of the time period, not only women's issues, but relationship issues between couples. Scott and Zelda's marriage could apparently sustain only one literary star. While Zelda could shine for her physical attributes, Scott could be the only writer (I think due to his fear that she might have been better). Also, her mother's lack of support for Zelda, seeming to take Scott's side in most of their disagreements. Zelda was not born to be subservient, but the time period wasn't ready for her to display all her talents.

I'm afraid that the strong personality and mental problems would overshadow what a woman's options were at that time period. There is a lot to discuss, but the personal issues of their personalities make you think they are unique and not ordinary people of this time in history. I can relate to the woman's place in society at this time because I was there, not because it was explained clearly. Joyce W

I agree with elizabethm (03-28), who stated that Fowler's "Z" should be supplemented with original writings by Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald as well as other books by women of this era.

Yes, I could see this book on a women's history reading list. It did an excellent job of showing the struggle of a woman who had lots of potential in many areas of the arts but was held back by her husband and the expectations of the time. In outward appearances her life looked as if she was a modern woman, the new flapper. But really she had the constraints of the times still holding her back. She herself wanted to find fulfillment, but wasn't allowed to. When I read this, I thought there were a lot of similarities to the times we live in now. With government trying to control reproductive rights, taking away safety nets for women and families, and even some of the rhetoric on women's ability to vote. Sometimes it seems we haven't learned a thing.

Yes, I think it should.

As much as I loved the book, I don't think it belongs on such a reading list. Perhaps, on an annotated bibliography or suggested additional reading list. I see "Z" as a GREAT example of historical fiction.

I agree with Kathleenw. Fiction is not history nor is it meant to be. However this book could supplement what is being read as it does discuss women's issues. It definitely belongs on the course additional reading list.