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sanperse's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Leatitia Colombani attempts a valiant thing: shedding light on the varied stories of women at a women's shelter.
The book mainly takes place at the "Palais de la Femme" in Paris, which is a building still existing today, but the characters and their stories are symbolic stand-ins for the many similar histories of real-life women at these institutions. As such "Les Victorieuses" is at times sad, at times enraging, at times hopeful - but moreso as it reflects back to reality, and often less as seen in the book. (Although there are exceptions (e.g. Binta).) Attempting to encapsulate many different women's experiences, it feels like it doesn't give enough room to each single one of them, especially considering the gravity of many of the issues touched.
But because of that the book also remains fairly easy to read, and can serve as food for thought on an important topic without becoming too harsh a reading experience . The language, too, is fairly simple, so it is a quick read, although this might also be due to the translation.
Solène, the main character for most of the book, gives the reader an easy place to occupy, as she, like the reader, comes into the "Palais de la Femme" as an outsider, learning about the occupants' stories from a somewhat distanced position, while also trying to find her own footing after a traumatic event. Her motivations and reactions are largely understandable, and she is distinct enough as a a character to not feel bland.
I did enjoy the interweaving of the contemporary and the historical fiction sections, dealing with the life and work of Blanche Peyron, who, like many women in history, has largely been forgotten by time, despite leaving such an enduring legacy as the "Palais de la Femme".
The book mainly takes place at the "Palais de la Femme" in Paris, which is a building still existing today, but the characters and their stories are symbolic stand-ins for the many similar histories of real-life women at these institutions. As such "Les Victorieuses" is at times sad, at times enraging, at times hopeful - but moreso as it reflects back to reality, and often less as seen in the book. (Although there are exceptions (e.g. Binta).) Attempting to encapsulate many different women's experiences, it feels like it doesn't give enough room to each single one of them, especially considering the gravity of many of the issues touched.
But because of that the book also remains fairly easy to read, and can serve as food for thought on an important topic without becoming too harsh a reading experience . The language, too, is fairly simple, so it is a quick read, although this might also be due to the translation.
Solène, the main character for most of the book, gives the reader an easy place to occupy, as she, like the reader, comes into the "Palais de la Femme" as an outsider, learning about the occupants' stories from a somewhat distanced position, while also trying to find her own footing after a traumatic event. Her motivations and reactions are largely understandable, and she is distinct enough as a a character to not feel bland.
I did enjoy the interweaving of the contemporary and the historical fiction sections, dealing with the life and work of Blanche Peyron, who, like many women in history, has largely been forgotten by time, despite leaving such an enduring legacy as the "Palais de la Femme".
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Suicide
Minor: Alcoholism, Cancer, Domestic abuse, and Transphobia
youpp's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Cancer and Sexual violence
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