The Bechdel Test: a super basic test that few people - men or women - seem to pass

I discovered the Bechdel Test after having already published a couple reviews on this blog. However much I would LOVE to rip these books (and their authors, of course) a new one with this strikingly simplistic method of determining whether or not women are properly represented or not in a text, I will only be applying it to upcoming posts as to keep my virtual timeline true-to-life. To refresh you as to what this stupidly simple test is, here are the three criteria that a book should satisfy AT MINIMUM but largely fail:

1. A work must have at least two women in it

2. The women must talk to each other

3. Said women must talk about something other than a dude

Occasionally, there is a fourth rule that, personally, I believe should be officially on the criteria list, as well.

4. The women must be named

Instead of giving all works that don’t satisfy these points zero stars like they deserve, I will place my rage, frustration, sadness, and deeply rooted disappointment for such pieces slightly aside (but still safety within arm's reach), allowing for me to present a comprehensive opinion consisting of more than just a book’s misogynistic downfalls.

For example, Roald Dahl is a magnificent storyteller and writer; there is no doubt that he was both gifted and skilled in these fields. HOWEVER, Switch Bitch in no way satisfied this hella basic Bechdel Test. DISAPPOINTMENT. RAGE. FRUSTRATION. Any who, you get what I mean. The short stories are still incredibly well written, and the plot lines are well developed and proceed nicely. BUT not a single one passed the Bechdel Test and that greatly diminished my previously high opinion of the stories and Dahl himself.

Perhaps, I will create my own criteria for earning respective star ratings to ensure my ratings are not completely overshadowed by my feminist disposition, though I’m still questioning whether that should, in fact, be toned down for the sake of a book review. Nevertheless, as a writer, I can’t help but appreciate words separately from their meanings and connotations, even if the implications are outlandishly sexist.