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A review by year23
The Impatient by Djaïli Amadou Amal
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It’s hard to put into words the emotions this book evokes - rage, despair, hatred, agony. I had some notion of the practice of forced marriage and polygamy but this was one of the most raw portrayals of its damage and tyranny over women’s lives in this region (Camaroon). Your heart will break. I know these stories will stay with me for a long time.
But what stands out to me maybe most of all is this title, and it’s resonance in the way each woman chooses to fight back, to reclaim her self, her place, her choices. They are each impatient in a world determined to erase them with the command “Munyal”.
There’s so much to unpack in this short book - it’s so clearly an important text. I highly recommend though do check the content warnings.
But what stands out to me maybe most of all is this title, and it’s resonance in the way each woman chooses to fight back, to reclaim her self, her place, her choices. They are each impatient in a world determined to erase them with the command “Munyal”.
There’s so much to unpack in this short book - it’s so clearly an important text. I highly recommend though do check the content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail