Evil Eye

In the novel "A Woman is No Man," Yara, a Palestinian woman living in Brooklyn, struggles with feeling unsatisfied with her life despite having a good job and raising her two daughters. After responding to a racist provocation at work, she is put on probation and attends mandatory counseling. Her mother blames a family curse for her troubles, and Yara begins to question her own identity and the impact of her childhood on her future. The novel explores themes of women's freedom, identity, and the lasting effects of intergenerational trauma. It has received praise for its powerful writing and compassionate portrayal of characters.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A captivating tale of a woman's unwavering pursuit of a better life for her daughters and herself, this five-star read is a testament to the author's masterful storytelling. Womans Weekly hailed it as a "powerful novel about motherhood, belonging, and culture." Prima praised it as a "complicated mother-daughter drama that delves into the enduring consequences of intergenerational trauma and the resilience required to break the cycle of abuse." Time magazine recognized it as one of the most anticipated books of the year, describing it as "powerful and poignant."

Raised in a conservative Palestinian family in Brooklyn, Yara believed that her marriage to a charming entrepreneur would bring her the freedom she longed for. However, as time passed, she realized that her life, while fulfilling in many ways, still felt lacking. Yara had a good job at the local college, managed her home, and cared for her two daughters. She knew that her life was more rewarding than her mother's, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

One fateful day, Yara's carefully constructed world came crashing down when she responded to a colleague's racist provocation. As a result, she was put on probation at work and mandated to attend counseling sessions. Her mother attributed Yara's troubles to a family curse, and while Yara didn't subscribe to superstitions, she couldn't help but feel an increasing unease about falling into the same traps as her mother.

As Yara's world unraveled, she was forced to confront the challenges of her childhood, unaware of the profound impact they would have on her own future and that of her daughters. The weight of her past began to weigh heavily on her, and she realized that she needed to make changes to break free from the cycle of abuse.

Through her journey, Yara discovers the power of self-reflection, resilience, and the importance of breaking free from the expectations and limitations imposed by society and cultural norms. She learns to embrace her identity and carve her path, despite the obstacles and challenges that lie ahead.

"Etaf Rum" is a powerful and poignant novel that explores the notion of women's freedom and the transformative power of challenging and rewriting gender roles, family, and cultural traditions. The author's writing is wise, expansive, and deeply compassionate, taking readers on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Diana Abu-Jaber, the author of "Birds of Paradise," praised "Etaf Rum" as a "moving meditation on motherhood." She commended the author for her ability to delve into the complexities of motherhood and the emotional toll it takes on women. Abu-Jaber also noted the novel's exploration of identity and the challenges faced by women who defy societal expectations.

Overall, "Etaf Rum" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and wants to explore the depths of the human experience. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of breaking free from the past to create a better future.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 162 x 243 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008654191