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A review by linesiunderline
A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a difficult read - the kind of book that gives you the feeling of being there, right alongside someone going through traumatic, life altering experiences. I felt connected to all of the female protagonists and I think Rum did an outstanding job crafting women who were multifaceted and who seemed authentic.
Why not 5⭐️? For me, when reading this type of story that is often harrowing, I appreciate a style that is more poetic than I found here. This is not to say that Rum’s prose is weak. It’s more direct, and perhaps for some this might make the events / themes come across even more powerfully. Personally, I like a little more rich use of language in narratives with heavier themes and content.
A strong reading experience that made an impact and left me eager to read more by this writer.
Why not 5⭐️? For me, when reading this type of story that is often harrowing, I appreciate a style that is more poetic than I found here. This is not to say that Rum’s prose is weak. It’s more direct, and perhaps for some this might make the events / themes come across even more powerfully. Personally, I like a little more rich use of language in narratives with heavier themes and content.
A strong reading experience that made an impact and left me eager to read more by this writer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy