Published 2nd May 2018 by Quartet Books.
From the cover of the book:
“I write about history to free us from the past, I write about the present to strive for alternative destinies and I write about the future because the world we live in is not the only one possible.”Part manifesto for change part historical and sociological essay, Saving the World charts women’s condition through the centuries, analysing their treatment within political, religious, economic and societal contexts to form a bigger picture of their place in the world; and explores what needs to be done in 2018 to create a truly equal world.
Having already broken the glass ceiling for women in Italy, where she introduced a new bill requiring company boards to have 30% female representation, Paola turns to the Gender Pay Gap and puts forward her vision for how we reach an equal society, one in which all women are set free from fear, violence and oppression. Paola Diana impresses on us that this world we inhabit, dominated by men and often seemingly immutable, is far from the only one possible.
Already a bestseller in Italy, this translation has been extensively revised by the author to incorporate recent UK events that impinge on women’s rights and the struggle to achieve equality. A clarion call for change, Diana’s polemic should be read by all who hold powerful positions in government, industry and the arts.
Already a bestseller in Italy, this translation has been extensively revised by the author to incorporate recent UK events that impinge on women’s rights and the struggle to achieve equality. A clarion call for change, Diana’s polemic should be read by all who hold powerful positions in government, industry and the arts.
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I should probably start our by saying that this is not really a book for anyone who has done any in depth reading into the history of women's rights and the lives of the leading lights of the various waves of the feminist movement, and subsequently has an understanding of the issues involved. If you have already taken the time to do such reading, you do not need this book.
Instead Paola Diana's book offers more of a general introduction to the tenets of feminist thinking and some of the notable names involved in the movement for those who may have previously given the rights of women little attention through ignorance or apathy, by the use of a series of essays that address the case for more women at the top of politics, economics and the arts. As such, it is more of a rallying cry or a manifesto for social change that suggests there is a way forward that would offer obvious benefits for all. Bravo!
Paola's arguments are certainly impassioned and she offers some fascinating examples of injustices meted out by patriarchal societies the world over that will make your blood boil, alongside illustrations of some of the good work that is being done in relation to women's rights. Most importantly she also points out that it should be the responsibility of more developed countries to improve the lot of women who live in less enlightened societies rather than taking an 'I'm alright, Jack' attitude, with which I wholeheartedly agree.
However, there are parts of this book that are less successful in promoting Paola's cause, some of which stem from the feeling that a bit of careful editing would give clarity to the overall message she wants to impart to the reader, and some of from the fact that recent events make this book come across as rather dated, despite the revisions that were made in 2018 to the original Italian 2016 text.
For example, naturally Paola writes about the history she knows from her Italian background, but this does not always work as a direct translation to other parts of the world when she is trying to make a point, including the UK. And rather strangely the final chapter details the Bonus Care Draft Bill Paola worked on with the government in her home country of Italy, rather than ending with the previous chapter discussing change, which would have worked so much better for an international audience - it was interesting to see the details of the bill, and I understand she is rightly proud of her achievements which are commendable and should be applauded, but I feel this information would have been better included as an appendix.
In addition, I found some of her attitudes and assertions contentious, especially in terms of religion, marriage and the world of work, and a few the women she promotes as beacons of virtue are more likely to be seen as controversial rather than exemplary given more recent events, all of which serve as a distraction that takes away from the overall positive message of the book.
Despite the parts that do not quite work, this book definitely has a lot to offer to those looking for an opening into the issues that modern feminists are seeking to address, and the short, essay like nature of the chapters makes them very accessible and engaging. I can see this book being very useful as a popular tool to draw others into a discussion, particularly amongst older teens and those who have not previously given much thought to what feminism means. In fact, it is just the kind of book that would be good to use extracts from with sixth form or college reading groups in order to introduce discussion about women's rights, before moving on to more weighty academic texts. It's certainly the kind of book that provokes a response and one that leaves you with lots to mull over!
Saving The World is available to buy now from your favourite book retailer or from Bookshop.org HERE.
Thank you to Paola Diana and Quartet Books for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review and to Bei Guo of Midas PR for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
About the author:
A London based entrepreneur and campaigner for equal rights Paola has dedicated her life to championing sexual equality in business and politics in the UK and Italy. In Italy, Paola is the founder of the organisation PariMerito (Equal Merit), which she used to lobby the Italian Government to pass new equality laws in the work place, including a new bill requiring every company board to have minimum 30% female representation.
Prior to starting PariMerito Paola ran a Think Tank in support of the former Prime Minister and President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi’s political campaign, which had a particular focus on issues including welfare, female employment and structural policies in favour of the family and equal opportunities.
Paola is also an entrepreneur starting her first business as a single mother of two, her hugely successful Diana Group, comprises three separate businesses and has established itself as a market leader in recruitment and lifestyle services, recognised as one of London’s most influential service providers for high net worth individuals, families and corporations around the world.
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