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50 pages 1 hour read

A Woman Is No Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Etaf Rum

A Woman Is No Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 2000s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum is an intergenerational story following Isra, a Palestinian immigrant in Brooklyn, and her daughter Deya, who grows up in the same household 18 years later. Isra navigates a difficult life dictated by cultural expectations, marked by domestic duties and abuse, while Deya uncovers long-hidden family secrets, leading her to take control of her destiny. Themes of domestic violence, abuse, and trauma appear throughout the book.

Challenging

Emotional

Melancholic

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.3

176,111 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Etaf Rum’s A Woman Is No Man is praised for its poignant and evocative portrayal of Palestinian-American women's struggles across generations. Reviews commend the novel's authentic voice and powerful narrative but note that the pacing occasionally feels slow and some character development lacks depth. Overall, it's an impactful, though imperfect, exploration of cultural and familial pressures.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Woman Is No Man?

A reader who would enjoy A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum is likely interested in multicultural narratives, family dynamics, and women's experiences in patriarchal societies. Fans of Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns and Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere will appreciate its emotional depth and cultural insights.

4.3

176,111 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Isra Hadid

A 17-year-old Palestinian girl sent to America in an arranged marriage, struggling with cultural expectations and her new life. Her journey explores themes of duty, tradition, and self-discovery.

Isra's daughter who parallels her mother's age at the start of her story but embarks on a path of resistance against familial and cultural pressure. Her narrative is marked by her quest for truth and independence.

Isra's mother-in-law who embodies traditional Arabic cultural values and struggles with the contradictions of enduring past traumas. Her actions reflect both the perpetuation and critique of those values.

Fareeda’s and Khaled’s daughter, who serves as both a rebellious figure and mentor. Her American-influenced perspective shows Deya alternative life paths and professional possibilities.

Isra's husband who displays brief moments of vulnerability amidst a largely oppressive demeanor. His character explores themes of cultural pressures and personal conflict.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 2000s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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