In this bold and unprecedented anthology, Want, actor and activist Gillian Anderson steps into the role of curator, gathering anonymous letters from women worldwide about their deepest sexual fantasies. Following in the footsteps of Nancy Friday’s revolutionary 1973 work My Secret Garden, Anderson presents a contemporary snapshot of women’s inner lives, revealing both how much and how little has changed in fifty years.
Structure and Format
“Want” is thoughtfully organized into thematic chapters, each introduced by Gillian Anderson’s personal reflections that contextualize the letters that follow. These introductions demonstrate remarkable insight and vulnerability, as Anderson shares her own experiences and perspectives while connecting individual stories to broader cultural patterns.
Key chapters include:
- On Fantasies
- Power and Submission
- The Watchers and the Watched
- Exploration
- Gently, Gently
Writing Style and Editorial Approach
Anderson’s curatorial voice is warm, intelligent, and refreshingly honest. Her introductions strike a delicate balance between academic analysis and personal narrative, making complex themes accessible without oversimplifying them. The editing preserves each letter writer’s authentic voice while maintaining consistency in presentation.
Strengths
- Diverse Perspectives: The collection features voices from various backgrounds, ages, orientations, and relationship statuses, creating a rich tapestry of human experience.
- Thoughtful Organization: The thematic structure helps readers navigate potentially overwhelming material while drawing meaningful connections between different experiences.
- Cultural Context: Anderson’s introductions skillfully place individual stories within broader social and historical frameworks.
Areas for Improvement
- Limited Geographic Representation: Despite efforts at inclusivity, contributions heavily favor Western, English-speaking perspectives.
- Repetitive Themes: Some sections feel redundant, with similar scenarios appearing multiple times without adding new insights.
- Uneven Depth: While some letters offer profound psychological insights, others remain surface-level, missing opportunities for deeper exploration.
Critical Analysis
The book succeeds in its primary mission: providing a platform for women to express themselves without judgment. However, it occasionally struggles with the tension between personal expression and broader social commentary. Some readers might find the format repetitive or the content challenging to engage with systematically.
Comparative Context
While Want by Gillian Anderson clearly draws inspiration from Nancy Friday’s work, it distinguishes itself through its contemporary lens and Anderson’s thoughtful curation. Unlike similar collections such as Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues or Karley Sciortino’s Slutever, Want maintains a consistent focus on inner life rather than external experiences.
Cultural Impact
The book makes a valuable contribution to ongoing discussions about women’s sexuality and autonomy. Its anonymous format allows for unprecedented honesty, though this same anonymity sometimes limits its potential for driving concrete social change.
Literary Merit
Anderson’s introductions demonstrate considerable skill in weaving personal narrative with social commentary. The letters themselves vary in literary quality but collectively create a powerful mosaic of contemporary women’s experiences.
Target Audience
While marketed broadly, Want by Gillian Anderson will resonate most strongly with:
- Readers interested in women’s studies
- Those seeking to understand diverse perspectives on sexuality
- Anyone curious about the evolution of feminine identity in the 21st century
Final Verdict
Strengths
- Diverse and authentic voices
- Thoughtful organization and context
- Important contribution to contemporary discourse
Weaknesses
- Sometimes repetitive
- Uneven quality of contributions
- Limited geographic scope
Want by Gillian Anderson succeeds in creating a safe space for women’s innermost thoughts while occasionally struggling with depth and variety. Its significance lies more in its existence than its execution, marking an important milestone in the ongoing discussion of women’s experiences.
Recommendation
Readers should approach Want by Gillian Anderson as a mosaic rather than a narrative, dipping in and out rather than reading straight through. Its value lies in its ability to spark reflection and discussion rather than provide definitive answers.
Similar Works
- My Secret Garden by Nancy Friday
- Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
- The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler
About the Author
Gillian Anderson is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor known for roles in The X-Files, Sex Education, and The Crown. She previously co-authored We: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere with Jennifer Nadel.
In Conclusion
Despite its limitations, Want by Gillian Anderson represents an important addition to the literature of women’s experiences. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it provides valuable insights into contemporary attitudes toward sexuality and identity. Anderson’s careful curation and thoughtful commentary elevate what could have been merely sensational into something more meaningful: a snapshot of women’s inner lives at this particular moment in history.