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Reviews tagging 'Sexual violence'
Something Strange, Like Hunger: Short Stories by Malika Moustadraf
4 reviews
mlovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and War
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: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Sexual violence
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: Ableism, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infertility, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Abortion, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
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: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty and Eating disorder