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336
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 2000s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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
176,111 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
176,111 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Deya
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.
Fareeda
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.
Sarah
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.
Adam
Isra's husband who displays brief moments of vulnerability amidst a largely oppressive demeanor. His character explores themes of cultural pressures and personal conflict.
336
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 2000s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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