[fantasyfan]

There are many things to admire in this book including the excellent analysis of gender stereotyping as Nora tries to escape the shackles of life as a trophy wife displayed in a "Doll's House". The writing quality is always first class and frequently memorable. Characterization is realistic and effective. Nora's husband is perfectly portrayed as a control freak who sees his wife as just another mirror of his desirability. When Nora attempts to take a job she is met with outraged anger because she is perceived as a woman who should be grateful for being taken care of by a husband--not taking the job of someone who needs to work. Nora is castigated as being "frigid" and barren by her husband. I was delighted when the true cause of Nora's "barren" childlessness is revealed.
Nora herself I found rather unappealing and bland as a character. I was interested in her problems and the themes of the book which impinged upon her, but I found her personally unsympathetic.
The general tone of the novel is realistic but muted and gentle. For that reason I feel that the tone is ripped apart by the horror of Dorothy Rainbow. Certainly, it effectively dramatizes the theme of gender entrapment but violently disrupts the texture.