"Three Women" by Lisa Taddeo by

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Registration

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USO Indo-Pacific and USO Europe | Middle East | Africa will host our monthly Overseas Virtual Book Club discussing "Three Women" by Lisa Taddeo on March 13th at 2000 JST on Zoom

Stay up to date with the Overseas Virtual Book Club by joining our Facebook Group: USO Overseas Virtual Book Club

Register here:

https://register.uso.org/a3IQK000000gFIn

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Introductions

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Since we're spread out across the world, please share your location (without sharing your exact address) on the padlet map! ** Feel free to share a quick bio in the thread, and/or directly on the padlet map (link below). -- What's your name? How do you identify (pronouns)? Where do you live?

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Current Reads

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Book Recommendations?

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In the author’s note, Lisa Taddeo explains the mechanics of her reporting and writing process for THREE WOMEN. How did knowing this information affect the way you read the book? Did it help to know how the book was researched before you started reading?

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In the prologue of THREE WOMEN, In the prologue of THREE WOMEN, the author explains, “It’s relatability that moves us to empathize” (page 7). After reading the book, do you agree? How did you relate, or not, to Lina, Sloane and Maggie’s stories? Discuss as a group whether you empathize more or less with people you can relate to. Was your reading of the book affected by an ability to connect with Lina, Sloane or Maggie?

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Which woman did you feel most compassion towards? Why do you think you felt that way?

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After years of research, interviews and embedding, the author made the decision to narrate much of THREE WOMEN in the third person and uses only the first person in the prologue and epilogue. At times during Maggie’s sections, she even switches to the second person (“you”), directly addressing the readers as if they are involved. How did the author’s decisions about point of view enhance or alter your understanding of these women and their stories? (cont. below)

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How did it make you feel that these women had to change parts of themselves to try to gain love and acceptance from the ones they are with?

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Each of the three women had some kind of traumatic experience in their late teen years. How do you think those events shaped their relationships in the years following?

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Maggie’s experiences not only upend her own life but also that of her entire community. Were you surprised by the outcome of the trial and the varying ways in which Maggie and her teacher each have to deal with the fallout from it? How did you feel about how strongly the community supported Maggie’s teacher?

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At one point in her narrative, Lina explains that she fears being alone more than she fears death, which seems to inform a lot of her decisions. Do you agree with her? Why do you think that loneliness and not experiencing love frighten us so much?

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Why do you think we have such a difficult --- or uncomfortable --- time talking about women’s desire and women’s bodies, even in today’s otherwise open cultural discussions?

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To some extent, the author’s goal in THREE WOMEN is to restore agency and power to women as they tell their stories. Do you think she succeeds? Why is it important that women feel empowered to tell their truths?

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Exploration of Female Desire: The film highlights the complexities of female desire and sexuality through the experiences of Maggie, Lina, and Sloane. How does the film portray the different ways women experience and express their sexual desires? What message do you think the film is trying to convey about female sexuality?

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Maggie's Legal Battle and Its Impact: Maggie’s relationship with her teacher leads to a public and legal battle. How does the film portray her emotional and psychological journey through the legal process and media scrutiny? How does society’s treatment of Maggie differ from the way we see her relationship?

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Society’s Judgment of Women’s Choices: Throughout the film, the women are judged for their sexual choices, whether it's Maggie’s relationship with a teacher, Lina’s search for passion outside her marriage, or Sloane’s open marriage. How does the film explore the double standards that women face compared to men when it comes to their sexuality and relationships?

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The Power Dynamics in Relationships: Power dynamics play a significant role in the relationships of all three women. How does the film illustrate the ways in which power and control manifest in each woman's personal life? Do the women have agency, or are they often at the mercy of others’ expectations or actions?

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The Role of Love vs. Lust: How does the film distinguish between love and lust in the relationships of the three women? Do you think any of the women find true love, or is their pursuit more about seeking fulfillment, passion, or validation?

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Emotional Vulnerability and Personal Growth: The three women each undergo a form of emotional vulnerability and growth throughout the film. How does each character evolve? Do they find resolution or empowerment in the end, or are they left unresolved in their journey?

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The Intersection of Identity and Sexuality: How do the women’s sexual experiences affect their identities and self-worth? In what ways do the film’s depictions of their relationships challenge traditional ideas about what it means to be a "good" woman, wife, or mother?

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The Role of Men in Their Stories: How do the men in the women’s lives—whether they are partners, lovers, or authority figures—affect their actions and decisions? How are the men portrayed in terms of power, empathy, or manipulation?

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The Impact of Media and Public Opinion: The film likely touches on how the media and public perception influence the women’s lives, especially Maggie. How does the portrayal of media impact their stories? What does this say about society's tendency to judge and scrutinize women's lives, especially when it comes to sex?

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The Relationship Between Women: Though each woman’s story is told individually, the film may show how they relate to each other or experience similar emotional struggles. How do their stories overlap or differ? Do they find solidarity or understanding in their shared experiences?

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Quoted from the Prologue

kcjeanwilliams — 2025-02-28 14:35:55 UTC

"We pretend to want things we don't want so nobody can see us not getting what we need." (Pg. 7)

Here to say that you deserve to have whatever it is you want and need! Go get after it <3 I support you!

-Cassandra

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