review
‘Unharmed’ explores the multifaceted relationship between women and pain, blending personal narratives, historical analysis, and scientific insights.
Biringer starts by sharing the story of her grandmother’s ongoing physical and emotional pain, using it as an example of how women’s suffering has historically been ignored or silenced. She reflects on how generational trauma and societal expectations have contributed to the invisibility of female pain, which is all too often dismissed or misdiagnosed in both medical and social settings.
The book considers the ways in which pain has been inflicted upon women through systems of control, from medieval witch hunts to contemporary medical practices that downplay women’s symptoms. Biringer critiques the gender biases in medicine, where women’s pain is frequently attributed to emotional instability rather than physical causes, and examines how this inequity has contributed to the widespread misuse of sedatives and antidepressants among women, often leading to severe addiction problems.
Biringer also underscores societal pressure on women to endure pain in silence, a notion reinforced by cultural narratives and religious teachings. The chapter entitled ‘Reclaim the Pain’ calls on women to speak out about their pain and challenge the systems that invalidate their experiences. The book also looks at how women’s pain is commodified in culture and art, questioning whether such portrayals empower women or reinforce harmful stereotypes.
Throughout the text, Biringer incorporates scientific perspectives on the physiological and psychological aspects of pain, exploring topics like epigenetics, stress, misogyny, and the gender pain gap. She stresses the importance of empathy and systemic change to ensure that women’s pain is recognized and taken seriously.
Ultimately, ‘Unharmed’ aims to empower women to reclaim their pain narratives, encouraging society to acknowledge their experiences and dismantle the stigma surrounding female suffering. It blends storytelling with critical analysis, advocating for a future where women’s voices and pain are heard and validated.
Building on the tradition of such classic feminist titles as Naomi Wolf’s The Beauty Myth (1990), this timely, relevant work will speak to a wide audience.
All recommendations from Spring 2025