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Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'
Something Strange, Like Hunger: Short Stories by Malika Moustadraf
9 reviews
abbie_'s review against another edition
3.25
But when you understand more of the context of these stories, and how radical Moustadraf was (so radical that she was denied treatment for her illness which meant she died far too young), they take on a new light. This collection contains the first instance of cybersex in Arabic lit, as well as the first (I think) intersex/genderqueer character in Moroccan lit.
The main message of the collection could be summed up as 'men are trash'. The women in these stories lack agency, are stuck in loveless and often abusive marriages or suffer at the hands of abusive or neglectful fathers, entitled men whinge and moan about their situation in life then take it out on the women around them. A few of the stories focus on self-perpetuating cycles of violence and poverty which trap so many women and nonbinary folks in less-than-ideal situations.
Moustadraf does such a good job of writing unlikeable characters - possibly too much of a good job? In that, I felt tired and drained after reading almost every story, because there's so few repercussions. But sadly that is how it is in real life too, more often than not.
Overall, a collection I appreciated lot more upon reflection than while reading!
Graphic: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
alexisgarcia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Ableism, Abortion, Addiction, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Cancer, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Grief, Infertility, Medical content, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, and Violence
jessereadsthings's review against another edition
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Transphobia, Child abuse, Homophobia, and Physical abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Eating disorder
chaconne's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Rape, Misogyny, Sexism, Transphobia, Sexual harassment, and Homophobia
thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
i also like the intersectionality that moustradaf shows here, where the female characters who suffer under the patriarchy nevertheless engage in homophobia or some other form of discrimination. theyre thus illustrated as full, imperfect and multidimensional humans instead of merely empty vessels in which to reiterate the book's msg and themes.
moustradaf unflinchingly tells the stories and that inevitably involves some triggering content. moreover, some of the stories can be forgettable, either from their very short length or an unclear direction.
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Homophobia
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Violence, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, and Blood
Minor: Pedophilia
mondovertigo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Rape, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty and Eating disorder
woolgatherer's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, and Sexism
Moderate: Fatphobia, Rape, and Transphobia
Minor: Violence
lisadakeii's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Graphic: Blood, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Sexism, and Misogyny
2treads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moustadraf is direct in the themes that she explores and they all centre women and intersex persons, showing how they are victims of tradition and patriarchal views, the ways in which they exist within the margins that only ascribe value in their bodies and not their identities, words or actions.
The awareness that each character had of their societal position, the injustices that surround them and the mistreatment they suffer as a result did not hinder their dreams of leaving or taking the reins of their present for a better future.
I can only imagine what she could have achieved literally if she had lived longer, but I am glad that I read this collection.
Moderate: Misogyny, Transphobia, and Sexism
Minor: Violence