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In Three Women by Lisa Taddeo, Lina’s story is one of suppressed desire, emotional neglect, and the consequences of unresolved trauma. As a teenager, Lina experienced a deeply traumatic event when she was r*ped by three of her classmates.
This assault left her scarred, both physically and emotionally, and had a profound impact on her relationships and understanding of intimacy later in life. Despite this, she never truly faced the trauma head-on, instead choosing to move forward with her life by marrying Ed, a man who would later become distant and cold, providing little in the way of emotional or physical affection.
For the unversed, this is a television series based on the book of the same name. The series stars Shailene Woodley as Gia, DeWanda Wise as Sloane, Betty Gilpin as Lina, Gabrielle Creevy as Maggie, Blair Underwood as Richard, and John Patrick Amedori as Jack.
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The series which consists of 10 episodes in total is available on Starz to stream and was released on September 13, 2024.
Exploring Lina's traumatic experience in Three Women
Lina’s life is profoundly impacted by a traumatic event in her teenage years when she was r*ped by three of her classmates. This experience marks a pivotal moment in her life, and the emotional repercussions of this event reverberate into her adult years.
It leaves Lina feeling deeply scarred and isolated, shaping her perception of intimacy and relationships. Rather than receiving the support she needed, Lina’s trauma is largely dismissed, forcing her to bury her emotions and continue her life without addressing the wounds.
As an adult, Lina is married to Ed, a man who is emotionally unavailable and undemonstrative. Their marriage is marked by a lack of physical intimacy, which becomes a central source of Lina’s dissatisfaction.
Ed does not kiss her anymore, which to Lina symbolizes the absence of any deeper affection or connection. She shoulders the responsibilities of caring for their two children largely on her own and even endures physical ailments, wearing gloves year-round due to nerve pain. This loneliness and unfulfilled desire make Lina feel trapped and invisible.
Desperate for affection and recognition, Lina reconnects with Aidan, a high school sweetheart who brings back memories of a happier, more passionate time. The two begin an affair, and Lina is swept into a whirlwind of emotional and physical intimacy with him.
For Lina, this affair feels like a rediscovery of herself; Aidan offers her the desire and passion she has been craving. However, there’s an underlying awareness that Aidan, who is married with children, is not invested in her beyond a physical relationship. Lina knows he is using her as a noncommittal distraction, yet she clings to this relationship, hoping it will provide her with the love and attention she so deeply craves.
What else happened in Three Women?
In addition to Lina's story, Three Women explores the lives of Maggie and Sloane, each facing their own struggles and societal judgments.
Maggie's narrative centers around her illicit affair with her married English teacher, Aaron Knodel. Their relationship unfolds under the scrutiny of societal norms, and Maggie grapples with the emotional aftermath when the affair leads to a scandal.
After the affair is exposed, Maggie finds herself alienated and judged, particularly when Knodel is later acquitted of any wrongdoing, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics and consent in relationships.
Sloane’s journey, on the other hand, delves into the world of sexual liberation within the framework of her marriage. Sloane, a successful restaurant owner, participates in a consensual non-monogamous relationship with her husband.
While her s*xual experiences are framed as empowering, they also raise questions about her true emotional needs and whether she is genuinely fulfilled in this arrangement. Sloane’s story juxtaposes themes of autonomy and desire, further complicating the narrative of female empowerment.
Through these intertwined stories, Taddeo examines the cultural and emotional landscapes that shape women's lives, ultimately challenging societal perceptions of female desire and s*xuality.
What is Three Women about?
Three Women is a nonfiction work by Lisa Taddeo that intricately explores the s*xual and emotional lives of three women from different backgrounds in the United States. Published in 2019, the book offers a deep dive into the desires, traumas, and experiences that define these women’s identities.
The book’s central theme revolves around female desire, often scrutinized and judged by societal standards. Taddeo meticulously chronicles the lives of Lina, Maggie, and Sloane over eight years, using a narrative style that blends journalism with creative storytelling.
This approach allows readers to immerse themselves in the emotional complexities of each woman's life, revealing the profound impact of their experiences on their relationships and sense of self.
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo was first published in 2019 and the series is available to stream on the Straz app.
