Summary
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo is a groundbreaking work of nonfiction. This deeply researched book explores the intimate desires and sexual experiences of three real American women, offering readers an unprecedented glimpse into female sexuality and emotional landscapes.
Taddeo's debut work quickly rose to prominence, becoming a number one New York Times bestseller and garnering acclaim from numerous prestigious publications. The author spent eight years immersing herself in the lives of her subjects, resulting in a narrative that blends journalistic rigor with compelling storytelling.
While the book itself has achieved widespread recognition, it has also inspired adaptations in other media. Most notably, a television series based on Three Women was initially developed for Showtime before moving to Starz, with actress Shailene Woodley set to star and Taddeo herself serving as an executive producer.
Plot
Lisa Taddeo's Three Women delves into the intimate lives of three American women from different backgrounds. The book follows Lina, a suburban Indiana mother whose passionless marriage leads her to reconnect with an old flame through social media. Their rekindled relationship quickly evolves into an all-consuming affair, providing Lina with the affection she craves.
In North Dakota, the story of Maggie unfolds. At 17, she allegedly enters into a clandestine relationship with her married English teacher. The subsequent criminal trial sends shockwaves through their quiet community, turning lives upside down and exposing hidden truths.
The third protagonist, Sloane, resides in an exclusive Northeastern enclave. A successful restaurant owner, she enjoys a happy marriage with an unconventional twist—her husband derives pleasure from watching her engage in sexual encounters with other men and women.
Based on eight years of immersive reporting, Taddeo's work provides an unflinching look at desire, heartbreak, and the complexities of female sexuality. Through these three women's experiences, the author explores themes of passion, power dynamics, and societal expectations, offering readers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the realities of modern relationships and sexual politics.
Themes
Female sexuality and desire
Power dynamics in relationships
Societal expectations and judgment
The impact of trauma on intimacy
The complexity of human emotions
The pursuit of personal fulfillment
The influence of social norms on individual choices
Setting
Three Women is set in contemporary America, spanning the late 2000s to the mid-2010s. The book's narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a rapidly changing social landscape, where technology and social media have begun to reshape human relationships and sexual dynamics.
Geographically, the stories traverse diverse regions of the United States. Lina's tale unfolds in suburban Indiana, painting a picture of Midwestern domesticity. Maggie's account takes place in the more rural setting of North Dakota, offering a glimpse into small-town America. Sloane's story, set in an affluent enclave of the Northeast, provides a stark contrast to the other two locations.
While the book doesn't focus on specific landmarks, it vividly portrays the distinct atmospheres of each setting. From the quiet desperation of Indiana's suburbs to the claustrophobic nature of a North Dakota high school, and the exclusive world of New England's upper class, Taddeo skillfully uses these environments to underscore the unique circumstances and challenges faced by each woman.
Characters
Lina: A young mother in suburban Indiana whose marriage has lost its passion. She reconnects with an old flame through social media and begins an all-consuming affair. Lina struggles with daily panic attacks and a desire for affection. Her teenage rape experience has significantly impacted the course of her life.
Maggie: A 17-year-old high school student in North Dakota who allegedly engages in a relationship with her married English teacher. The ensuing criminal trial turns her quiet community upside down. Maggie's story explores the complexities of power dynamics and consent in student-teacher relationships.
Sloane: A successful restaurant owner in an exclusive enclave of the Northeast. She is happily married to a man who likes to watch her have sex with other men and women. Sloane's narrative delves into non-traditional relationships and the dynamics of power and desire within marriage.
Sloane's husband: A man who enjoys watching his wife engage in sexual activities with others. His preferences play a significant role in shaping Sloane's sexual experiences.
Maggie's English teacher: The married teacher who allegedly engages in a relationship with Maggie. His actions lead to a criminal trial that affects the entire community.
Lina's husband: The man whose marriage to Lina has lost its pass
Quick facts
Lisa Taddeo spent 8 years researching and writing Three Women, driving across the country 6 times to immerse herself in the lives of her subjects.
The book debuted at #1 on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list.
It was named a Best Book of the Year by over 20 publications, including The Washington Post, NPR, and The Atlantic.
The audiobook features narration by Tara Lynne Barr, Marin Ireland, Mena Suvari, and Lisa Taddeo herself.
Three Women won Narrative Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the 2020 British Book Awards.
Showtime initially ordered a TV series adaptation, which later moved to Starz with Shailene Woodley set to star.
The book covers the sexual and emotional lives of three real American women from different backgrounds and regions.
Taddeo chose to focus on these three women out of approximately two dozen subjects she initially interviewed.
The book's frank discussions of female desire and sexuality generated significant cultural conversation and debate.
Three Women was Taddeo's debut book, following her career as a magazine writer and essayist.
About the Author
Lisa Taddeo is an acclaimed American author and journalist, best known for her groundbreaking work Three Women. Born in Short Hills, New Jersey, to an Italian-American doctor and an Italian immigrant, Taddeo's diverse background has informed her unique perspective on human relationships and experiences.
Taddeo's journey as a writer began with her education at Rutgers University and later Boston University, where she completed her MFA in fiction. Her early career saw her writing for prestigious publications such as Esquire, New York Magazine, and The Washington Post. Her talent was quickly recognized, earning her multiple Pushcart Prizes for her short stories.
The author's magnum opus, Three Women, was the result of eight years of intensive research and thousands of hours spent immersing herself in the lives of her subjects. This dedication to authenticity and depth in storytelling has become a hallmark of Taddeo's work. The book's success led to a Showtime series adaptation, with Taddeo herself serving as writer and executive producer.
Following the critical acclaim of Three Women, Taddeo has continued to push boundaries in literature. Her debut novel Animal and short story collection Ghost Lover further explore themes of female experience and societal expectations. Taddeo's work consistently challenges readers to confront complex realities of human relationships, solidifying her position as a vital voice in contemporary literature.
