"Here we are, women who have been the beneficiaries of education, resources, reproductive choice, travel opportunities, the Internet, and a long life expectancy than women have ever had in history. What can and will we do?"
This is the story of thirteen women and a diamond necklace. The opening quote from doctor, activist and author, Jean Shinoda Bolenne, sets the tone. Profiling the women who decided to take part in the experiment that will ultimately change lives, this book is an interesting and easy read.
This reader was struck by how vastly different each woman (ages fifty to sixty-two) is and how the necklace impact them individually and as a group. The women are unabashed in their opinions and as visionary leader, Jonell McLain muses 'why can't we share personal luxuries like we do national parks', she charges on determined to prove the naysayers wrong.
Author Cheryl Jarvis profiles a remarkable group of ladies. Each chapter is dedicated to an individual. Each individual is more different than the next. With the myriad of disparities: income, upbringing, lifestyles, etc., it was fascinating to hear from each woman their life's journey and how the necklace (affectionately named 'Jewelia' impacted them.
Despite the inevitability of the squabbles that would come (i.e. should we legalize the group? Yes. Should we lend the necklace outside our group? Maybe/maybe not bad What if someone leaves the group? Hey, we're talking opinionated, emotional, businesswomen here), the necklace ultimately comes to symbolize the friendships and the legacies of these women. It becomes a harbinger of the good like-minded people can do in the community and for each other.
As I see it, this 'experiment' as the author calls it, should not have worked. And it did. The necklace provides a nucleus in which these woman could unite and take their friendships to a new level. It's a beautiful book.
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