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A review by bookishbaker25
A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A Woman is No Man is a standout read of the year, easily making it into my top 10. From the very first page, I found myself completely absorbed in the story, holding my breath until the end. Surprisingly, I enjoyed it even more than I expected.
For fans of Khaled Hosseini's storytelling, Rum's narrative will resonate deeply. She skillfully captures a sense of despair and sadness that runs through the entire book. The characters weave together seamlessly, yet the reader is constantly faced with the harsh reality of the abuse and hopelessness they endure.
The book not only explores domestic violence but also sheds light on how cultural norms and expectations contribute to systemic abuse. While it's important not to stereotype an entire culture, it's equally important to acknowledge the struggles of women who face such challenges daily. Rum gives voice to the marginalized, highlighting their experiences.
While I appreciated the book's structure, with multiple points of view spanning three generations, there were moments where the story felt repetitive, slowing down the pace.
All in all, I think this is a great read, but please beware, it is a heavy and hard book to get through!
For fans of Khaled Hosseini's storytelling, Rum's narrative will resonate deeply. She skillfully captures a sense of despair and sadness that runs through the entire book. The characters weave together seamlessly, yet the reader is constantly faced with the harsh reality of the abuse and hopelessness they endure.
The book not only explores domestic violence but also sheds light on how cultural norms and expectations contribute to systemic abuse. While it's important not to stereotype an entire culture, it's equally important to acknowledge the struggles of women who face such challenges daily. Rum gives voice to the marginalized, highlighting their experiences.
While I appreciated the book's structure, with multiple points of view spanning three generations, there were moments where the story felt repetitive, slowing down the pace.
All in all, I think this is a great read, but please beware, it is a heavy and hard book to get through!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Abortion, Addiction, Sexual violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Rape