A review by mirchi
A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This book hurts. It tells the story of mainly two/three generations of women from a Palestinian/Palestinian-American family, focused on the misogyny that each generation ensures and perpetuates. The author is able to cleverly address the intersection and perceived overlap between culture and inherently patriarchal values. And more importantly, the author is able to draw a clear line of generational trauma between the three generation of women, without truly demonizing or deifying any one person. The author also discusses how harmful patriarchal values are to men, although the harm they endure does not justify the harm they cause. It is a complicated story which takes the space to humanize the evil and goodness in each person, while also not justifying any wrongdoings. Overall it is a beautiful book, but I would read it with several cups of hot chocolate. 
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