Kill the Body, the Head Will Fall A Closer Look at Women, Violence, and Aggression

The author of All God’s Children and a Golden Gloves champion boxer argues that women can be just as aggressive and violent as men. The outspoken, articulate, and brilliant author of The New Victorians debunks the persistent belief that women are inherently less aggressive and less violent than men and examines the concept of aggression in this myth-shattering, eye-opening work. Through research, interviews with experts, analysis, and her own experience in the boxing ring, Denfeld presents a revisionist view of women, aggression, and violence, and addresses such issues as why women commit child abuse and other crimes; why women often feel guilty and out of control when enraged; how female competition is often subverted into hidden, often vicious reals; and the intersection between sex and violence. “A writer’s thoughtful look at the personal and social implications of her foray into the “manly art” of boxing. . . . A well-rendered personal account of female athletic experience—a rare offering. Denfeld also makes an engaging contribution to popular discussion of female aggression, a subject that clearly merits closer attention.” —Kirkus Reviews