In "Under Magnolia: A Southern Memoir," Frances Mayes explores the societal pressures that contribute to the prolonged state of girlhood among women, particularly as they age. She illustrates how women are often expected to maintain an innocent facade, which can restrict their personal growth and self-expression. This expectation can create a kind of emotional vise, limiting their opportunities and experiences as they transition into later stages of life.
Mayes poignantly captures...