Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'

The Arsonists' City by Hala Alyan

2 reviews

kquixotic's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Oooo I love a family saga full of secrets, revelations, romance, and existential crises. The Arsonist’s City has it all. 

I appreciate this book for upending western stereotypes of Arab people, particularly around women, sex, and sexuality, with every character navigating contradictions. 

The backdrop of the impact of Western intervention in Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon further, complicates and enriches the narrative. I was affected! Upon finishing this book I had to go to the local Lebanese buffet to eat my feelings. 
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breeoxd's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I was about halfway through this book before I realized I've never read anything about Lebanon before! Everything I've read about the Middle East has been Afghanistan or Pakistan. I know nothing about the Paris of the East! Beyond that, I don't think I've read any Eastern books from women's viewpoints. I think that was most surprising- how female-centric this family saga was. 
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