Book review: ‘Roar,’ by Cecelia Ahern

Marci Schmitt

Irish novelist Cecelia Ahern offers bedtime stories for feminists in “Roar,” each featuring a protagonist referred to as “the woman.” The 30 allegorical tales, with such titles as “The Woman Who Slowly Disappeared” and “The Woman Who Unraveled,” offer inspiration in dealing with such travails as getting older in a sexist, ageist society or trying to juggle way too many responsibilities.

The stories, perhaps best read in small doses, contain wisdom, humor and warning. “The Woman Who Thought Her Mirror Was Broken” comes to terms with a divorce and other midlife changes. “The Woman Who Was Swallowed Up by the Floor and Who Met Lots of Other Women Down There Too” finds herself in Cringeville after she wishes to escape an embarrassing moment during a work presentation. A teenage social media influencer turns into “The Woman Who Blew Away” after she thinks of nothing but herself.

“Roar” offers respite for the woman who was stressed by modern life.

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