Have you ever read a book in which you just cannot stand the protagonist? And the antagonist isn't much better, either? I picked up this new novel, Ellen Feldman's Terrible Virtue, knowing it would be a tough read for me. Why would a staunch pro-lifer even want to read a fictionalized account of the life of the founder of Planned Parenthood? Well, to stretch my brain, of course!
It is good to entertain other schools of thought, from time to time. But, this woman-- this Margaret Sanger-- is so selfish, so self-centered, so unloving, so promiscuous, so entirely the opposite of me. I am halfway through the book and having trouble continuing.
Yet, like most women out there, she has a cause. She is ahead of her time. She is headstrong and proud. She has relatable moments, like when she reveals her fear of speaking to various people. For that reason, I continue to read. Perhaps, by some chance, I can learn something from her. Let's hope only the admirable bits rub off, though!
Have you read a book that has made you uncomfortable? Tell me about it.
