Sworn Virgin
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
256
Novel • Fiction
Albania • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Sworn Virgin by Elvira Dones centers on Hana Doda, a young Albanian woman compelled by traditional laws to adopt a male identity as the sworn virgin Mark Doda, maintaining this facade for 15 years until she emigrates to the US. In America, she resides with her cousin Lila, grappling with reclaiming her femininity and finding her true identity amidst cultural and personal upheaval. The novel addresses topics of gender identity, societal expectations, and personal transformation.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Challenging
Emotional
Bittersweet
885 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sworn Virgin by Elvira Dones has been praised for its exploration of gender identity and tradition in Albania, giving readers a rich cultural perspective. Critics appreciate the novel's evocative prose and its nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's struggle. However, some found the pacing uneven and desired deeper character development.
A reader who would enjoy Sworn Virgin by Elvira Dones is likely captivated by cultural transformations and strong female protagonists. Fans of Elif Shafak's The Bastard of Istanbul or Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns will appreciate the exploration of identity, gender roles, and the clash between tradition and modernity.
885 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Novel • Fiction
Albania • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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