The Equivalents: 2 Minutes Summary

1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: The Equivalents is a powerful, empathetic exploration of the relationships and friendships of five extraordinary women who achieved greatness in times of adversity.

“In the end, the Equivalents were a testament to the possibility of friendship, to the power of collective action, and to the strength of women.”

Quick Info

Overview

The Equivalents by Maggie Doherty is a compelling and deeply researched work of nonfiction that examines the lives of five women who were part of the Harvard Society of Fellows in the 1930s.

The book tells the stories of these five remarkable women, all of whom were accomplished in their own right, and how their paths intersected at Harvard and how their time at the university affected their lives and legacies.

Through an exploration of these women’s contributions to the university and their impactful careers, Doherty sheds light on a pivotal period in American intellectual history.

Drawing on a wide range of sources, including letters, journals, interviews, and archival materials, Doherty brings to life the vibrant personalities of these five women whose pioneering work had a lasting impact on the course of history.

4 Key Lessons from The Equivalents by Maggie Doherty

1. The Value of Self-Awareness

One of the main lessons from The Equivalents is the importance of self-awareness.

Maggie Doherty shows us how the five women in her book were able to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as their own potential.

This self-awareness allowed them to take control of their lives and to make meaningful contributions to society.

By understanding ourselves and being aware of our abilities, we can create a better life for ourselves and those around us.

2. The Power of Friendship

Throughout The Equivalents, Maggie Doherty emphasizes the importance of friendship and the power it can have in times of difficulty.

She portrays the strong bond between the five women and how they worked together to overcome their struggles and to find success.

We can learn from this that friendship is essential in helping us to tackle life’s challenges, and that having supportive friends can make a huge difference.

3. The Benefits of Collaboration

The Equivalents also demonstrates the power of collaboration.

Maggie Doherty emphasizes how the five women were able to come together to share ideas, resources, and support in order to achieve a common goal.

We can learn from this that working together as a team can be extremely beneficial and that we can accomplish more when we unite our efforts.

4. The Importance of Pushing Boundaries

Finally, Maggie Doherty highlights the importance of pushing boundaries.

The five women in The Equivalents were not afraid to challenge the status quo and to blaze new trails.

By taking risks and pushing the limits, they were able to make a lasting impact and to create opportunities for others.

We can learn from this that it is important to strive for progress and to never be afraid to take a chance.

Who Should Read It

This book would be of particular interest to readers who are interested in the history and culture of women’s education and feminist movements in the United States during the twentieth century.

It would also be of interest to readers looking to explore the social and psychological effects of women’s educational and career opportunities in the mid- to late-twentieth century.

Additionally, those who are interested in the personal stories and experiences of the female members of the “Vassar Mafia,” a group of women who attended Vassar College in the 1960s and went on to become influential in their respective fields, will find The Equivalents to be an intriguing read.

Where to Get It

If you love the smell and the feel of a physical book, you can just click on the button below:

If you like to listen to audiobooks while doing the daily chores or when commuting to work, you can Try Audible Premium Plus and Listen to this Book for Free.

If you’re not sure yet, I recommend you to read a more in depth summary on Blinkist. You’ll also get a 7 day free trial and more than 5.000 other books to browse through.

---

About Maggie Doherty

Maggie Doherty is an American author and professor of English Literature at Harvard University.

She is the author of the novel The Equivalents, a historical fiction work that explores the lives of five women attending Radcliffe College in the late 1960s.

The novel was a finalist for the National Book Award and was chosen as a New York Times Notable Book of 2020.

Doherty’s writing is praised for its vivid descriptions, its attention to detail, and its exploration of the complex lives of women in the 1960s.

Error 403 The request cannot be completed because you have exceeded your quota. : quotaExceeded

or Try Audible Premium Plus and Listen to this Book for Free

---

Other Biographies Books you may Like:

• Best Biographies
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
• The Journey of Crazy Horse by Joseph M. Marshall III
• The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell
• The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann

---

Over to You

If you already read The Equivalents by Maggie Doherty, please take a moment to rate it and maybe write your feedback in the comments. You’ll help other readers make the best choice.

Thanks a lot,
Simon

---