Women in Game of Thrones

June 15, 2014

Amid the passionate fervor that surrounds the popular HBO show, this text highlights a crucial point of contention with fans of the original source material: the treatment of its female characters. Readers will find deeper insight into the program's hotly debated use of gratuitous nudity, the damaging male gaze, and the excessive instances of violence against women. Pop culture critic Frankel (Buffy and the Heroine's Journey) expertly details the vast--and tragic--differences among the complexly layered and relatable characters George R.R. Martin initially imagined in his books and the cliched archetypes portrayed on the show, easily fitting them into tired television tropes. Frankel explores the characters one by one, highlighting the ways in which their nuances have been stripped down in favor of one-note, male-centered representations. The book is also peppered with intriguing anecdotes of women throughout history and possible influences for Martin's depictions, including pirates, duelists, and warriors. VERDICT Thoroughly researched and impressively analyzed, this is highly recommended reading for fans of both book and small-screen series who are interested in valid criticisms and the feminist viewpoint.--Kate DiGirolomo, Library Journal

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