Women Without Men

Shahrnush Parsipur, 1998 Date Read: 4/30/22

I didn't understand this at all. Part of that is cultural. For example, a character is grievously offended when her sister-in-law offers to help her clean up after a party. Where I live, that's expected. But more of the issue is that this is written in allegory.

I struggle with allegory. This was most apparent when we were still going to church. I did not always understand what Jesus was actually saying in his metaphors and allegories. And I didn't understand them here at all.

This is translated from Persian, and perhaps some of my issues are translational? I know a lot are cultural, as I said. I think I'm just not smart enough for this book.

Also, this is not a novel. It is a collection of loosely connected short stories.

Length: 132 pages

Rereadability: I don't think reading it again will help anything

Classic: I reserve judgement because as stated, I didn't understand it.