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hannibanani29's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Cursing, Misogyny, Rape, Violence, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Infertility, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Alcohol, Body shaming, Death, Medical content, Murder, Racism, Torture, Colonisation, Gun violence, Stalking, War, Classism, Police brutality, Confinement, and Pregnancy
hamillherself's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Misogyny, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Rape
sciyuri's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Body shaming and Bullying
Minor: Pregnancy
piranhapudel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, and Rape
Moderate: Confinement
tasleemreads's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
TW: marital abuse, marital rape and domestic violence.
Meena Kandasamy's semi-autobiographical novel looks into a woman's abusive marriage. This book explores how she struggles and fights for survival, the lack of support from her parents and community who approach domestic violence with a 'turn a blind eye', 'it's normal', 'what you do to warrant that reaction' attitude, even when it's witnessed in public first-hand.
This book highlights the important issue of domestic violence, marital rape and marital abuse - issues that are silenced in India and reflect women's position in society. Not only does this book do a great job at showcasing the victim's oppression, mistreatment and struggles, it also highlights the lack of support and protection from the government and the society as they are conditioned within a toxic patriarchal culture.
Kandasamy also addresses why she couldn't 'just leave the marriage' (something that is often used against women in her situation), as her independence, identity, financial means and freedom are stripped from her - forcing her to be reliant on her abuser, her husband.
Amazing work that I would recommend to everyone, bearing in mind the triggering themes within the book.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, and Physical abuse