Jemima J

The story of Jemima J explores many elements of contemporary “chick literature,” including love, money, men and beauty. One of the major themes throughout the story deals with Jemima’s struggle with her weight. The book’s message seems to parallel society’s current message, where skinny seems to be in, and women are under constant scrutiny to be a picture of perfection at all times. With the major theme of the book revolving around Jemima’s weight loss, the controversy over whether or not Jemima was able to find success and happiness because she was skinny comes to mind. I think it is important for women of any size to find the strength from within, along with a strong love of yourself and who you are. At the same time, women face scrutiny that stems from the growing social implications of obesity in America. Jemima is and should be applauded for her attempt to maintain her inner beauty. She grows in personal confidence and I believe truly appreciates the attention and perks that come along when she is thin. However, she also attempts to maintain her inner beauty and tries to encourage people like Jenny to understand that she is also beautiful at her current size. What she may not realize is that Geraldine and Ben also tried to convince her of these things when she was heavier, but she would not listen. Perhaps it is something that you must come to believe on your own.

Whether you agree or disagree with Jemima’s weight loss, the women considered to be skinny in the novel are also presented in both positive and negative light. Geraldine’s character evolves from someone portrayed as being hired into her position simply based on looks to one of Jemima’s best friends and supporters. Interestingly enough, Geraldine’s relationships with men change as she and Jemima become closer. Perhaps she becomes more comfortable and confident in herself as Jemima relies on her for help and direction following the weight loss and makeover. Although slim, Geraldine is never threatened by Jemima’s beauty like roommates Sophie and Lisa. Sophie and Lisa rely on their looks to bring them happiness, whether it be through flirting with men at work or dressing the part for the man of the night. While they exhibit confidence, they do not seem to have a grasp on what truly makes them happy.

The book also addresses the rise of technology and relationships via e-mail and chat rooms. “The internet is another world, where people can be anyone they want…” (Green 27). Even today, the internet can become a façade. The lack of face to face interaction allows you to be free with feelings and emotions. However, this also opens the door for gross miscommunication and misinterpretation to occur. Communication via e-mail and chat rooms provide a safe place to flirt and create fantasy, which can be dangerous or genius depending upon your viewpoint. Jemima was lucky to find a man online who was seemingly genuine and perfect. However, the internet provided the barrier Brad needed to hide his love towards Jenny and his imperfections from the world by searching for women from afar. Jemima was also taking a huge chance by going to L.A. to visit him, as it could have turned into a dangerous situation.

Finally, Green writes that Jemima knows “I’m overweight…but I’m not a bad person…and I’m kind to people and why does no one ever want to fall in love with me…” (60). Regardless of age, body type, or weight, this is a universal theme that women can relate to, and serves as inspiration to make a change in how you view your own life. I find that I can relate to Jemima, as this thought has crossed many a mind of my single friends and myself at times. I still hold onto the belief that a great man will love a woman for who she is on both the inside and the outside. I really enjoyed this book, and was happy to know that since this is the first book I have read in almost a year. In the end, I liked the clothes, the men, the money, the glamour, and all the fantasy and reality that this chick lit novel had to offer.

Source: Green, Jane. Jemima J. New York: Broadway Books, 1999.