Review | Harvey Weinstein, a religious cult and #MeToo: Rose McGowan’s disturbing, powerful memoir
Plus, a personal account of depression and one man’s means of managing it
by Rose McGowan
HarperOne
3.5/5 stars
In 2015, Rose McGowan received a script with a memo suggesting hopefuls auditioning for a role in this Adam Sandler movie wear a “tank that shows off cleavage (push up bras encouraged)”. She took a photo of the note, posted it on social media, and overnight became a red-carpet activist. The reaction to McGowan’s example of the “infinite indignities suffered in Hollywood by women” encouraged her to kick even harder when she found herself fired by her agent for not keeping Hollywood’s secrets.
Brave, which also delves into McGowan’s early years with the Children of God cult, is an unpleasant read (especially since the recent suicide of McGowan’s agent). But that’s its strength.
by Johann Hari
Bloomsbury