Femininity in Contemporary and Classic Literature

Amber Sassmasta Laroche hosts Femininity in Contemporary and Classic Literature, a thoughtful exploration of how ideas of womanhood are constructed, challenged, and reimagined across the written word. This podcast moves beyond simple book reviews, instead tracing a conversation through time. Each episode considers how classic texts-from Austen to the Brontës, from Wharton to Woolf-have fundamentally shaped the narratives we encounter today in modern novels and even in film adaptations. The discussion asks what "femininity" has meant in different eras and who gets to define it, examining the legacy these older stories leave for contemporary authors to inherit, subvert, or dismantle. You'll hear specific textual analysis, drawing clear lines between past and present literary traditions. It’s for anyone curious about the deeper currents in their reading, offering a lens to see both the timeless and the timely struggles, joys, and complexities of female characters. By placing classic and contemporary works side by side, this series reveals the ongoing dialogue about gender, power, and identity that literature so uniquely captures. Tune in for a nuanced addition to your listening that sits at the intersection of society and culture.