Scan barcode
A review by sapphicpenguin
Deluge by Leila Chatti
5.0
A stunning exploration of the author's experience with uterine tumors/excessive bleeding, rendering her unable by Islamic law to participate in worship, and turning to Mary (the only woman named in the Qur'an), for comfort and commiseration. Her bleeding she calls the Deluge, another name for the Great Flood in Genesis. She connects with the bleeding woman in Luke 8 who touches Jesus's cloak and is healed—saying that she had no such chance.
An embracing of Muslim and Christian heritage, and of womanhood, wondering whether it is possible to "bleed as if gutted / by the blade of God's command, / and still be loved by God / and, more importantly, love Him back."
An embracing of Muslim and Christian heritage, and of womanhood, wondering whether it is possible to "bleed as if gutted / by the blade of God's command, / and still be loved by God / and, more importantly, love Him back."