Many of us are familiar with the feminist movement, but discussions of modern feminism can sometimes feel overwhelming. In her contemporary women’s fiction novel, The Anti-Marriage Pact, Lindsay MacMillan explores modern feminism, the power of female friendship, and the journey of self-discovery through a fresh, thought-provoking lens.
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced reader copy of The Anti-Marriage Pact. I also had the opportunity to interview MacMillan about the inspiration behind the novel, its unforgettable characters, and the themes she hopes readers take away from the story.
Interviewer: What research was needed to write this story?
Lindsay MacMillan: Research into Brooklyn by spending time there, as well as the Redstockings’ history as a 1970s feminist group. Beyond that, I draw from real-life inspiration and my imagination.
Interviewer: Many readers may enter this book expecting a romance between EJ and Chris, but I found it to be more a story about realization, freedom, and conscious choice. At what point in the writing process did you realize this wasn’t a traditional love story? Or did you always intend for the story to unfold in this direction?
Lindsay MacMillan: I knew this was never a romance. It was always a friendship love story. The relationship with Chris is a sub-plot, not the main event. The women are the main event! They are each other’s soulmates and grow together through different seasons of life.
Interviewer: I found EJ to be a fascinating protagonist, relatable yet frustrating. She wasn’t perfect but was human. Sometimes she judged others harshly but refused to see similar truths in herself. Did you intentionally write EJ as an unreliable narrator, and how did you balance making her unlikeable at times while still keeping readers interested?
Lindsay MacMillan: EJ is definitely an unhinged and unreliable narrator, and that was the most fun part of writing the book. There are so many moments throughout the book, from the very beginning, when astute readers will see EJ’s softness, vulnerability, and big heart peeking through. But if you’re reading quickly or trying to put her in a box, you will likely write her off for a while. Ultimately, she has a redemptive arc — not a full 180, because that wouldn’t be true to her character — but she undergoes a big shift about three-quarters of the way through the book.
If you read the book a second time, you’ll notice many subtle details about why she’s being triggered and how it’s tied to her past trauma. We see her slowly – and then more quickly – breaking out of her steely exterior. But her friends always see her big, loving heart for what it is, even if it takes some readers a bit longer. I love that the book is polarizing and that she’s not immediately likable to everyone. She’s not a people-pleaser, and she helped me stop people-pleasing as much during the writing process, too.
Interviewer: EJ believes so strongly that marriage represents a loss of independence and wasted potential for women. Were her views inspired by conversations you’ve had, by women you’ve known, or by broader societal expectations you’ve observed?
Lindsay MacMillan: Yes, as I’ve seen in my own friendships in my 20s and 30s, we’re rethinking the societal script we’ve inherited. There are so many examples of marriage stripping away our rights, freedom, and autonomy. We have more choices now to live independently – or with our friends as our life partners – and I love that women are exploring that. At the same time, marriage doesn’t have to be a prison. It can be very liberating and fulfilling, depending on the partnership. The book makes the case that true feminism is choosing your own path and supporting other women on theirs.
Interviewer: If EJ from the first chapter met the EJ from the final chapter, what do you think they would say to each other?
Lindsay MacMillan: EJ from the first chapter would say, “Why did you go all soft, letting your friends break the pact and get married…and what’s this nonsense chatter about God and the divine woman as a spiritual force inside you? You sound insane!”
EJ from the last chapter would say, “Oh, bless you. Look at how you’re hurting and how you’re accidentally replacing one type of tyranny with another… but fear not, you’ll find liberation in the end. And start investing in stocks—you have a talent for it!”
The Anti-Marriage Pact is now available wherever books are sold, including Amazon.
Featured image via Lindsay MacMillan
