An overbearing undercurrent of bitter feminist sentiment which stems from the author, not the subject

Reader beware.
The overriding theme of this book is not the accomplishments of Meryl Streep, but the Authors seemingly never ending feminist agenda. This is a shame given the book has obviously been very well researched, but given the Author does not have access to any of their own interviews of Meryl, they are relying on statements Meryl has made in the past in the public domain regarding her feminist stance, and, among other things, how much she disagrees with pay disparity between the sexes.

For some reason the Author repeatedly references the combined incomes of Meryl's male peers over the years, and that of her female colleagues. And although she outlines the total box office take of many of Meryls movies, she doesn't compare that to the box office for the males in the industry. It doesn't take a genius to work out that Hollywood rewards those actors able to 'carry' a film, and pull in huge dollars at the box office. Meryl is known for doing notably non-commercial work on occasion. Does the author really expect she will be paid top dollar for these movies on the basis that she is a major talent? Get real.

I have no idea who the Author is or if they enjoy a measure of celebrity, because I didn't buy this book to find out about her, or her political beliefs, or the bitterness she harbours against men. Sadly it's this 'vibe' that detracts from the unquestionably impressive body of work and array of talent Meryl is known for.

The mention of Harvey Weinstein and his well publicised atrocities against women was a curious inclusion in this book. It's well known that his behaviour was no secret in the industry, and was therefore covered up and facilitated by that very industry. Actresses like Meryl achieved great acclaim, not to mention millions of dollars in earnings, by going along with Weinsteins wishes, keeping their mouths shut. I notice Meryl didn't once come to the public defence of her actress sisters throughout the years of torture they experienced, nor did she attempt to use her unique platform to shine a light on his dirty deeds. No, she enjoyed her status as untouchable (or not young enough) for Harv, and flourished.

So let's not bang on about how hard Meryl has done it over the years or how disgusting it is that she isn't as rich as Tom Cruise (a particular masculine erk of the Authors).

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