How does gender affect Addie Baum's life history in the book, The Boston Girl?

Feminism is an important theme in the novel “The Boston Girl” by Anita Diamant. In the novel, the author advances feminism in both subtle and overt ways, and defines feminism through the events of the novel as not only equality between the sexes, but as the ability for women to make their own choices and choose their own paths in life.

Addie is a feminist, and her feminism is seen in both subtle and overt ways. Subtly, she does the things she wants, simple though they may seem – such as joining literary groups and going to Rockport Lodge with the other girls. She takes on work as she grows older, not only to support the family, but to have her own money so she will be reliant on no one else, man or woman. Addie goes on to write about social issues when working for a newspaper, even when many men do not want to risk their jobs by writing about such things. Addie’s romances only ever go as far as she wants them to go until she meets Aaron, during which time their romance and marriage proceed according to mutual, equal agreement between them both – a clear break from tradition. Addie’s decision to live on her own before the marriage is also outrageous to her mother, and one of Addie’s most overt feminist acts. After Addie is married, she does not choose a domestic life over a career – she manages to do them both, and very well at that. She demonstrates that real feminism respects the choices of women – whether they will be homemakers, career-oriented, or a mix of both.