Jaclyn’s Review: A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

A Woman is No Man
written by Etaf Rum
published by Harper, 2019

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, Target, Walmart, Book Depository, Goodreads

Did I enjoy this book? I found this book through Jenna Bush Hager’s book club. The Palestinian culture is not one that I read about frequently, so this was definitely a change for me. There were a few times that I had to stop and google some world history, which is always a good thing! I enjoyed reading about their culture and practices, especially how these translated to life in America. I also enjoyed reading from different perspectives and bouncing around in the timeline of the story; it was a unique way for the story to unfold. As a modern American woman, there were a number of times that I really struggled with women in this story. They were all unhappy with their position in life and in their households. I’m sure that this was intended to be a recurring theme throughout the story, but it came up so often that it came across as whining. There were many times that I would have to put down the book and argue with myself (I’m sure others on the beach were entertained . . .). I wanted the women to stop whining and actually DO something about their position. This obviously stems from my cultural privilege to HAVE that type of mobility and choice in the first place. These types of arguments justify this as a thought-provoking book and worthy of being part of any book club. I ultimately liked the book, and I found the ending both sad and satisfying.
 

 

Would I recommend it?  Ultimately, I would recommend this book. I thought it was interesting and a change of pace from my usual books. I would love for others to read this book so I can discuss it in more detail.
 

 

About the book – from Goodreads: This debut novel by an Arab-American voice,takes us inside the lives of conservative Arab women living in America.

In Brooklyn, eighteen-year-old Deya is starting to meet with suitors. Though she doesn’t want to get married, her grandparents give her no choice. History is repeating itself: Deya’s mother, Isra, also had no choice when she left Palestine as a teenager to marry Adam. Though Deya was raised to believe her parents died in a car accident, a secret note from a mysterious, yet familiar-looking woman makes Deya question everything she was told about her past. As the narrative alternates between the lives of Deya and Isra, she begins to understand the dark, complex secrets behind her community.

 

 
 

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** This post first appeared on Every Free Chance Books (everyfreechance.com) on July 22, 2019.