Corinne Low is a serious academic but in this book she is trying to write a simpler account of why women get a bad deal in terms of employment, and what they might do about it. Although she is excellent at describing and analysing the history, the barriers, the glass ceilings, the varieties of corporate ethos and the misogyny which guarantees women a bad deal in the work place, she is on shakier ground in arguing what to do about it.

Essentially, her argument is that if you don’t resist you will be expected to do more at work and, as usual, you will have to do more at home. She helpfully points out that women who are divorced with children spend less time on housework than those who are married with children. But, don’t get her started on how divorce settlements work against women as well! It’s not really a surprise to learn that Corinne Low is happy to share that she is divorced and living with another woman

The aim, therefore, is to work out which activities add most value to job and home and then balance them so that you have a pleasant and prosperous life without being worked into the ground. This includes having words with your husband about genuinely doing his bit to help, rather than washing up once or twice because he fancies a reward later.

Of course, there’s no point in buying this book for your wife because she won’t have time to read it! And, if she buys it for you then watch out!