Honestly, barring a few stats and anecdotes, it didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know. Period poverty is at shocking levels, even in wealthy countries like the UK. Endometriosis would have a bunch more research cash chucked at it if men suffered from it. If you’re one of the many women who suffer from agonising period pain, you’re more likely to be believed if you visit a female GP. Periods costs beaucoup cash when we’re already at a disadvantage from the gender pay gap.
I really liked the author’s voice and the broad range of period-related subject matter she covered. The subject matter was clearly laid out and narrated and it held my interest.
For me, what raised this to a four star book was what this could do for other people. I know about endometriosis, period poverty, having to stuff your knickers with loo roll when you’re caught short, but plenty of people don’t. And yes, but plenty of people I mean men. I don’t expect many men will pounce on this book with glee in Waterstones, but I sincerely hope that this book will be read by women who currently only have vague, nebulous ideas about the inequality surrounding menstruation and will give them a voice to speak up. They need to speak up to their husbands and boyfriends so that they don’t cringe and freak out when they’re asked to buy tampons, to their boss to get the proper support at work if they are in pain, to their dude GP to get them to bloody listen.
This book ought to be read a lot. By lots of people. That is all.
4 stars