readwithkatie_'s review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book so much. Probably one of the most captivating fictions i've read in a while, and really well thought out.
I liked how it kept switching between the characters, and from past to present. As much as I tried, I couldn't really predict what was going to happen in the end (although i could gauge the general direction). At different points I both loved and hated all the characters, and felt such a strong emotional connection to Deya and Isra.
The story was a bit repetitive in places with lots of scenes taking place over tea. However, I think this was an important part regarding the culture for the setting of the book. Further, the repetition of the location of the scenes didn't bother me whilst I was reading it, this was more of an afterthought.
The other great thing about this book is that is gives a voice to those who may not have one. Even if potentially exaggerated for the sake of a good novel (or maybe not in some cases), it does pose a lot of food for thought. I'd definitely recommend to all my friends. It's a pretty easy read and thoroughly enjoyable.
I liked how it kept switching between the characters, and from past to present. As much as I tried, I couldn't really predict what was going to happen in the end (although i could gauge the general direction). At different points I both loved and hated all the characters, and felt such a strong emotional connection to Deya and Isra.
The story was a bit repetitive in places with lots of scenes taking place over tea. However, I think this was an important part regarding the culture for the setting of the book. Further, the repetition of the location of the scenes didn't bother me whilst I was reading it, this was more of an afterthought.
The other great thing about this book is that is gives a voice to those who may not have one. Even if potentially exaggerated for the sake of a good novel (or maybe not in some cases), it does pose a lot of food for thought. I'd definitely recommend to all my friends. It's a pretty easy read and thoroughly enjoyable.
mherring's review against another edition
5.0
Interesting examination of immigrant Muslim women in US society
madicotherman's review against another edition
5.0
I started this book at 4 pm and finished it at 9 the same night with tears streaming down my face (everyone needs to read A Woman Is No Man.)
thelexingtonbookie's review against another edition
4.0
A Woman Is No Man absolutely broke my heart. In the novel taken place from two points of view, family is harrowed by traditional beliefs that hinder the advancement of women. In the past (1990s), Isra is a young woman from Palestine whose family marries her off at age thirteen, who becomes a mother of three, and who only ever dreamed of true love. As she moves to America with her new husband, Adam, and is overseen by her mother in law, she learns that despite the promises and opportunities of America, a Palestinian woman will always be held to their customs.
Years later, Deya is about to graduate high school, and all her grandmother plans to do is marry her off in the traditional Palestinian manner. However, young Deya is eager to continue her education, praying to go to college in the fall. Yet, Deya knows what is expected of her, and her grandmother is relentless. One day, Deya uncovers a secret, and it leaves her torn between finally escaping the oppressive traditions and pursuing a future of her own.
Author Rum bravely tackles the cultural repression of middle eastern women. In a culture where men are valued more than women, and women are considered a financial burden unless they produce male heirs, she gives her readers four Palestinian women whose roles display the variations of opportunity possible for women.
Throughout the novel, the refrain of securing future by marriage (and not encouraging women to be independent) was stated. I kept asking myself, 'Why is marriage more secure for a woman than being on her own?' Other than the idea of two is better than one, there is no guarantee that the man is going to be able to support his wife any more than she could- and if she has dependents, as often these young brides do, then there is even greater stress on the marriage for the man to provide for them as well. This is a universal, traditional role for the men to play, as breadwinner for the family. But what if he does not? How is that better for the woman in this oppressive culture in which she is only expected (and often allowed) to be a housewife?
Rum's novel leaves the reader with the experience to understand that traditional ways are not always the best- that respectful change can born something better for the younger generations of women- both of and not of Palestinian decent. I would highly encourage anyone to read this novel. Though devastatingly heavy, this is a respectful, eye-opening read.
Years later, Deya is about to graduate high school, and all her grandmother plans to do is marry her off in the traditional Palestinian manner. However, young Deya is eager to continue her education, praying to go to college in the fall. Yet, Deya knows what is expected of her, and her grandmother is relentless. One day, Deya uncovers a secret, and it leaves her torn between finally escaping the oppressive traditions and pursuing a future of her own.
Author Rum bravely tackles the cultural repression of middle eastern women. In a culture where men are valued more than women, and women are considered a financial burden unless they produce male heirs, she gives her readers four Palestinian women whose roles display the variations of opportunity possible for women.
Throughout the novel, the refrain of securing future by marriage (and not encouraging women to be independent) was stated. I kept asking myself, 'Why is marriage more secure for a woman than being on her own?' Other than the idea of two is better than one, there is no guarantee that the man is going to be able to support his wife any more than she could- and if she has dependents, as often these young brides do, then there is even greater stress on the marriage for the man to provide for them as well. This is a universal, traditional role for the men to play, as breadwinner for the family. But what if he does not? How is that better for the woman in this oppressive culture in which she is only expected (and often allowed) to be a housewife?
Rum's novel leaves the reader with the experience to understand that traditional ways are not always the best- that respectful change can born something better for the younger generations of women- both of and not of Palestinian decent. I would highly encourage anyone to read this novel. Though devastatingly heavy, this is a respectful, eye-opening read.
shannonigans322's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This novel definitely falls in the category of, "Important, but Heavy," at least for me. I appreciated the tension that builds between the multiple women's points of view. I found myself hoping against hope that I could will a change to the outcome. I felt that, perhaps, the author could have been more nuanced in her descriptions of events, but overall I was compelled to quickly finish the audiobook. CW for abuse, violence, alcoholism, pregnancy, postpartum depression
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Murder, and Death of parent
drb5232's review against another edition
4.0
A strong testament to the resilience of women, the power of books, and the impact of intergenerational unhealed trauma and cycles of violence. The ending was so powerful - hopeful, yet heartbreaking.
bookcasey_champ's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
gabsabookworm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes