Books matching: oppression of women
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- #1
'Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia' by Jean Sasson is a fascinating and eye-opening account of the life of a Saudi princess, Princess Sultana. It delves into the oppression and abuse suffered by women in Saudi Arabia, shedding light on issues such as lack of education, forced marriages, honor killings, and gender discrimination. Through the narrative, readers are exposed to the struggles faced by women in the country, offering a glimpse into a world where women are treated as possessions and face extreme repression.
Jean Sasson's writing style in 'Princess' is described as powerful, moving, and informative. While some readers find the writing repetitive or preachy, the book is commended for its ability to bring awareness to the challenges faced by women in Saudi Arabia. The author presents Princess Sultana's perspective clearly and without bias, offering insights into the life of women in the Middle East and sparking important conversations about gender inequality and cultural differences.
- #2
'Wildthorn' by Jane Eagland is a young adult historical fiction novel that follows the story of Louisa Cosgrove, a Victorian girl who aspires to be a doctor in a time when it is not socially acceptable for women to pursue such careers. Louisa's life takes a drastic turn when she is wrongly committed to Wildthorn Hall, a mental asylum, where she must unravel the mysteries behind her incarceration. The novel delves into the struggles faced by women in Victorian England, the harsh realities of life in a mental institution, and the unexpected romance that blossoms amidst adversity.
Through a series of flashbacks and present-day challenges, the author weaves a suspenseful narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Louisa's character is well-developed, and her journey of self-discovery and resilience is at the heart of the story, offering a poignant portrayal of societal expectations, personal identity, and the power of love in the face of adversity.
The carriage jolts and splashes along the rutted lanes flooded by the heavy November rains. Through its grimy window, all I can see of the unfamiliar Essex countryside are bare hedgerows, the skeleton... - #3
Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Second Sex' examines gender as a social construct in society, arguing that women are oppressed due to being seen as other or alien in the eyes of men and masculine institutions. The book provides a comprehensive evaluation of women's oppression, offering a feminist view of the world and explaining the differentiation of that view from the masculine perspective. De Beauvoir's writing style is described as dense, philosophical, and disarming, with razor-sharp argumentation that delves deep into the sources and impacts of how women are viewed and treated.
Males and females are two types of individuals who are differentiated within one species for the purposes of reproduction; they can be defined only correlatively. But it has to be pointed out first th... - #4
In the remote fishing village of Vard in 1617, a catastrophic storm wipes out nearly all the men, leaving the women to fend for themselves and face suspicion of witchcraft. The story follows Maren, who lost her family in the storm, and Ursa, a newcomer married to a witch hunter sent to the village. As tensions rise and accusations fly, the women must navigate fear, superstition, and betrayal in a patriarchal and treacherous society. The writing style is immersive, atmospheric, and historically accurate, depicting the harsh landscape and the struggles of the characters with vivid detail and a tense tone that builds as the story progresses.
The men came scrambling down the black rock like dark, swift insects, glinting and hard-bodied with blades and scythes. They began to swing and cut before the whale was even dead. It bucking and all o... - #5
"The Breadwinner" by Deborah Ellis is a poignant tale set in Taliban-occupied Afghanistan, following the story of Parvana, a young girl forced to disguise herself as a boy after her father is imprisoned for his education. The book beautifully portrays the struggles of Parvana and her family as they navigate oppression and injustice under Taliban rule, highlighting themes of courage, love, and resilience amidst hardship. Through the eyes of Parvana, readers are exposed to the challenges faced by women and girls in a war-torn society, offering a glimpse into the daily life and struggles of individuals living in the midst of conflict.
Parvana's journey as the breadwinner for her family not only sheds light on the harsh realities of life under Taliban rule but also showcases the ordinary moments of hope, friendship, and familial bonds that endure even in the face of adversity. The writing style of the book captures the emotional depth of the characters and the complexity of their experiences, providing a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
She didn’t dare say those words out loud. The man sitting beside her father would not want to hear her voice. Nor would anyone else in the Kabul market. Parvana was there only to help her father walk ... - #6
'The Bookseller of Kabul' by Asne Seierstad is a vivid portrayal of life in an Afghan family, particularly focusing on the role of women in Afghan society. The author, a Norwegian journalist, spent time living with the family and wrote about their daily lives, shedding light on the struggles and oppression faced by the female members of the household. Through the eyes of the characters, the book explores the impact of war, societal norms, and the patriarchal structure on the lives of individuals in Kabul, providing an insightful glimpse into the complexities of Afghan culture.
The narrative style of the book is described as evocative and realistic, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the daily routines and struggles of the characters. The author's detailed observations and personal experiences living with the family bring to life the harsh realities faced by women in Afghanistan, while also touching on broader themes such as history, politics, and societal change in the region. Despite some opinions criticizing the book for its choppiness and lack of character development, 'The Bookseller of Kabul' is commended for its informative and eye-opening depiction of life in Afghanistan.
Sultan needed help. A suitor cannot himself ask for a girl’s hand. It is an Afghan custom that one of the women of the family conveys the proposal and gives the girl the once-over to assure herself th... - #7
'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is a chilling dystopian novel that paints a vivid picture of a society where women are oppressed and used for reproduction. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, as she navigates her confined life under an oppressive regime. Through flashbacks, readers witness the downfall of society into a theocratic military dictatorship and the struggles of women who are reduced to mere objects for men's use. Atwood's writing style is starkly elegant, conveying the stultifying life of the central character and offering glimpses of her past existence before the world was turned upside down.
The narrative explores themes of totalitarianism, religious fundamentalism, and the exploitation of women, all set in a world where traditional values have been taken to terrifying extremes. Atwood's brilliant storytelling weaves together a thought-provoking commentary on morality, societal laws, and the consequences of a society built on repression and control. The non-linear storytelling, coupled with the first-person perspective, provides a compelling and disturbing insight into a dystopian future that feels eerily plausible.
We slept in what had once been the gymnasium. The floor was of varnished wood, with stripes and circles painted on it, for the games that were formerly played there; the hoops for the basketball nets ... - #8
"The Wind Done Gone" by Alice Randall is a subversion of the classic novel "Gone with the Wind." It offers a missing perspective on the original story, focusing on the relationship between a black female child, Cynara, and her mother, Pallas Mammy. Through diary entries, the novel explores the complex dynamics of race, theft, and ethics in American literature, particularly in the Southern context. The protagonist, Cynara, challenges the traditional portrayals of black female characters in literature, reclaiming her agency and identity in a system skewed against her.
They called me Cinnamon because I was skinny as a stick and brown. But my name is Cynara. Now when I tell it, I say they called me Cinnamon because I was sweet and spicy. Sweet, hot, strong, and black... - #9
Weyward by Emilia Hart is a powerful and magical novel that follows the lives of three mistreated women in different time periods - Altha in 1619, Violet in 1942, and Kate in 2019. Altha is accused of witchcraft and fighting for her life, while Violet is isolated in a manor house and denied education. Kate, running away from an abusive partner, seeks solace in her great aunt's Weyward Cottage, uncovering a mysterious connection to the natural world. Through these women's stories of resilience and empowerment, the book weaves together themes of female strength, familial bonds, and the healing power of nature.
- #10
The Surface Breaks by Louise O'Neill is a feminist retelling of The Little Mermaid, exploring themes of empowerment and self-love. The plot follows Gaia's journey from the sea to land, interjecting originality into the classic storyline while closely following the original tale. The writing style is described as well-paced, never lagging or meandering, and the introduction of new characters like Zane adds depth to Gaia's desire to escape her life under the sea.
I have never been allowed to talk much. My father doesn’t care for curious girls, so I bit my tongue and I waited. The days of my childhood kept turning over; dissolving like sea foam on the crest of ...