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Women of a certain age

May 15, 2015

As baby-boomers redefine the cultural landscape, it is appropriate that we re-write the literature, cinema, and music of our time. That’s right, Stevie Nicks, it’s now the Edge of Seven-ty.

Women who came of age in the 60s and 70s are now entering their 60s and 70s, living life on their own terms and maintaining their lifelong independence. I hesitate to say “hard fought” independence as the argument can effectively be made that these paths were cleared by the previous generation of women.

Three titles exemplify the independent modern woman moving through later years: Lillian of Lillian on Life, Florence Gordon and of course, Olive Kitteridge. These women lead quietly intelligent lives. Each uniquely navigates love, family, work, lust, and a longing for aloneness.

The texts are sparse (each title is just at or under 300 pages) and reflect the direct, no non-sense women examined. Spend some time in the company of these women:

This is a sentence about Lillian on Life.

Florence Gordon descripion or whatever.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stroutwinner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.There is a HBO produced series based on this title, starring Frances McDormand and Richard Jenkins and Bill Murray.

It’s a Golden Girls meets Molly Dodd world out there. Tune in.

“I hate the idea that you shouldn’t wear something just because you’re a certain age.” Miuccia Prada