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

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

5.0

The ending paragraph was such a heartbreaking revelation when linked to Deya's last memory of her parents. 
And Isra's having felt that Hannah must have been at fault a little bit for her death and then she gets killed months later for trying to leave?? Goddamn.


My greatest pain reading such books is the existence of Fareedas. The mothers who
glorify suffering just because their suffering had a bit of societal success. Just because they didn't die, they trivialize their daughter's pain.
The women who propagate toxic and dangerous patriarchy and cultures are the characters I tend to hate the most. 

This book provides a good context of why more women are choosing to stay single. It's not representative of the whole world, but such shared experiences help us glimpse deeper into the choice women are making. 

This wasn't an outright five star, but Part III just turned everything on its head. And I am grateful I ever got a chance to read this one.