Eve in Exile sets aside all stereotypes of mid-century housewives, of china-doll femininity, of Victorians fainting, of women not allowed to think for themselves or talk to the men about anything interesting or important. It dismisses the pencil-skirted and stiletto-heeled executives of TV, the outspoken feminists freed from all that hinders them, the brave career women in charge of their own destinies.

Once those fictionalized stereotypes are out of the way—whether they’re things that make you gag or things you think look pretty fun—Christians can focus on real women. What did God make real women for?