Reviews with content warning for Rape - When I Hit You or a Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife

Reviews tagging 'Rape'

When I Hit You or a Portrait of the Writer as a Young Wife by Meena Kandasamy

34 reviews

tasleemreads's review against another edition

dark emotional sad fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

#WhenIHitYou is a powerful and intense read.

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.

Content Warnings