This literary critical book deals exclusively with contemporary fiction by women that focuses on aging of women. It discusses the emergence of a new fictional genre, the novel of ripening or Reifungsroman. This emerging genre about the aging heroine recon
Popular journalisms treatment of old age and the ageing experience; beginning the journey to selfhood in middle age; new passions and commitments in young old age; challenging dependency and embracing death; the ageing woman in society, the "Reifungsroman