The Refrigerator Monologues
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | Catherynne Valente |
| Products | Superhero fiction novel |
| Parent | Saga Press |
The Refrigerator Monologues is a 2017 superhero fiction novel authored by Catherynne Valente, featuring illustrations by Annie Wu. The narrative delves into the experiences—and demises—of superheroines alongside the partners of superheroes. Its title alludes to the "women in refrigerators" trope as well as The Vagina Monologues. The book was released by Saga Press.
Synopsis
Set in an afterlife known as Deadtown, six women linked to superheroes convene regularly to recount their encounters with sexism and trauma prevalent in the superhero realm. Deadtown combines elements of a bohemian district with those of a necropolis, inhabited by refined gargoyles who tend to spirits. Given the unpredictable nature of comic book deaths, many inhabitants eventually depart from Deadtown. They occupy their time indulging in extinct cuisines and lost cultural artifacts, all while being compelled to wear their burial attire irrespective of their former identities.
Each character serves as a satirical representation of a notable Marvel or DC heroine, revisiting classic story arcs through a feminist lens. Their collective, known as the Hell Hath Club, is led by Paige Embry—an alternate incarnation of Gwen Stacy—who also functions as the narrator. The novella offers a critical examination of gender biases within superhero narratives and the "women in refrigerators" phenomenon, emphasizing how female figures are frequently harmed to propel male characters’ development. The story culminates with a punk rock festivity symbolizing emancipation from distressing superhero tropes.
Reception
Publishers Weekly lauded the work as "dazzling," "brilliantly furious," and "a rage-filled pleasure," highlighting that familiarity with comics is not necessary for appreciation. Conversely, the Portland Press-Herald suggested that an in-depth understanding of comic lore enhances enjoyment significantly.
According to Den of Geek, the book is "cathartically angry" and provides each character with a "vivid, specific voice." Vox described it as "bitingly sarcastic and wistfully regretful, and always ferociously angry." Kirkus Reviews characterized it as "entertaining but not a romp," and "ruthless but absorbing and provocative," while The Washington Post regarded it as "entertaining but heavy-handed."
Origins
Valente's motivation for writing this novel stemmed from her frustration over Gwen Stacy's demise in the 2014 motion picture The Amazing Spider-Man 2. She stated:
Adaptation
In December 2018, Amazon Studios revealed that Shauna Cross was developing a pilot adaptation of The Refrigerator Monologues, under the title "Deadtown".