Read Women discussion

I aim to read 20 books for this challenge!

I have already finished 3:

1/20
The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine by Alina Bronsky translated from German, set in USSR and Germany. 5*

I loved this book, very easy to read, couldn't put it down. Told entirely from the POV of a bitter, somewhat delusional character who will stop and nothing to have things her way. I love how Bronsky writes with such brutal honesty bringing fascinating characters to life.


2/20
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata translated from Japanese. 3.5*

I loved parts of this one and am still confused by others but definitely worth a read. The criticisms of societal expectations to conform and the judgements of others really rang true to me and have stayed with me for a long while afterwards


3/20
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa translated from Japanese 4.5*

I really liked this one, a dystopian novel where the memories of an entire island are mysteriously erased one item at a time. Unusual, thought provoking and well executed. Once I got into it I couldn't put it down.

Hannah, have your read Baba Dunja's Last Love by Alina Bronsky? It's also a great novel. I thought it was even better than The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine.

Ha, I was just about to eagerly type "Hannah, have you read Baba Dunja's Last Love by Alina Bronsky? It's also a great novel. I thought it was even better than The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine." But I see Tamara got there first! (Tamara, you have excellent taste :) )

So here's a second recommendation for Baba Dunja's Last Love.

Yes I have! Baba Dunja was the first Bronsky I read and I really loved it, I also have Just Call Me Superhero but haven't read it yet and am trying to get hold of Broken Glass Park

Story❤ wrote: "(Tamara, you have excellent taste :) ).."

It takes one to know one :)

Hannah, I hadn't heard of Just Call Me Superhero or Broken Glass Park. I've put both on my TBR. Fortunately, my library has both so I can pick them up from there--whenever it opens, that is. Thanks for mentioning them.

4/20
The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld Dutch ****

A brutal depiction of life on a rural dairy farm in the Netherlands. A well written book which slaps you in the face with the dire consequences of bottling up grief and shaming sexuality in a conservative, god-fearing community.

Hannah wrote: "4/20
The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld Dutch ****

A brutal depiction of life on a rural dairy farm in the Netherlands. A well written book whic..."

I recently read this one as well. I am still trying to figure out what I think of it; it is certainly brutal and sometimes also disturbing. Glad to see that you enjoyed it though.

You're both braver than I, Valerie and Hannah. I bailed at 30% through.

I can see why a lot of people didn't like it, there are many disturbing scenes and they do get worse as the book progresses. I like reading books which bring into the open the horrible truths which are often bottled up because nobody wants to talk about them. I think this is the point the author is trying to make. They say something along the lines of- when we feel discomfort only then are we alive. When horrible things are ignored, denied and kept inside, they only grow. I think this is why we heartbreakingly see the children becoming more and more obsessed with death and suffering. It isn't an easy read but I think the author sends a message that is important, although difficult to hear

5/20
Just Call Me Superhero by Alina Bronsky German ***

This one was a little disappointing for me as I loved Baba Dunja and Hottest Dishes. It was well written and interesting enough to keep me reading until the end but other than that I just didn't feel invested

Hannah wrote: "5/20
Just Call Me Superhero by Alina Bronsky German ***

This one was a little disappointing for me as I loved Baba Dunja and Hottest Dishes. It was well written an..."

That's disappointing. I was planning to read Just Call Me Superhero as I, too, loved Baba Dunja's Last Love and The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine. I might still read Superhero, but I'll just put it much lower down on the list.

6/20
Little Eyes by Samanta Schweblin Spanish (Argentina) ****

Really enjoyed this one which had me hooked at a time when I am really struggling to concentrate on most things. It's classed as a dystopia but it really could be happening right now. A chilling web of interlinked stories (by theme only) which warn of the dangers and consequences of letting technology take over our lives and minds and how easily we can lose track of what is the 'real' world. Very well written

7/20
The Murder of Halland by Pia Juul Danish *

This one just wasn't for me, quite dull.


8/20
Hotel Iris by Yōko Ogawa Japanese ****

This is quite an unsettling and disturbing read but in a way that says a lot and makes you question everything. Fantastic writing.

9/20
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
Polish *****

Large parts of this book I absolutely loved and I felt the need to make many highlights. There was a lot which I really related to - her views on Animals, Anger, pain, humans... I love it when something I read in a book makes me stop and think 'so it's not just me, somebody else feels this way!'. I just wasn't keen on the long descriptions of astrology and had to skim these sections. The writing is fantastic and the book is unlike anything I have ever read before

10/20
The Murmur of Bees by Sofía Segovia. Spanish (Mexico) *

This book is very twee. It was quite well written but I couldn't help but feel that it gave a very biased view of the times (the Mexican Revolution) and an overly romantic view of the white, land-owning elite and their oh-so-terrible struggle to hold onto their land and wealth during the war and reforms. The only campesino (darker skinned peasant) whom we get to hear the perspective of is portrayed in the most negative light possible: he is deranged, evil and murderous.

Baba Dunja's Last Love by Alina Bronsky. *****

A re-read of a favourite of mine. I found Baba Dunja's ability to be herself and love her imperfect world and the ability of nature to claw it's way back to be comforting during unsettling times

I loved that novel and I loved Baba Dunja as a character. Have you read Bronsky's The Hottest Dishes of the Tartar Cuisine? I enjoyed that although Baba Dunja remains my favorite.

Me too Tamara, I really liked both books but Baba Dunja is the one that resonated deeply for me

She's a special character--so vibrant and yet so comforting.

11/20 The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-mi Hwang
South Korea *****

A beautiful tale about the importance of freedom and choice, of empathy and acceptance of difference, the power of chosen-families and being true to yourself. Sprout's struggle to find a place where she belongs and feels safe and free of judgement really resonated with me. The language evoked a true love of nature and a longing to be more connected with all it's forms. I think this will be one of my all time favourites

That sounds like a great book Hannah. Adding it to my TBR.

Me too.

Me three :)

Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did :)

This was one of my top ten books last year. I still think about it from time to time and also recommend it highly! So glad you enjoyed it, Hannah.

12/20 Lullaby by Leïla Slimani France *

A nanny kills 2 children and this is the unconvincing account of why she did it. Very sensationalist

13/20 Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi Egypt *****

Firdaus is waiting in prison to die because she is a woman in a man's world; because she knows the truth of this world and is not afraid to speak it. She has killed but she is not a criminal. This is the powerful story of how she came to be there. The writing is fierce, insightful and intelligent. Nawal el Saadawi rips apart the patriarchy and lays bare it's ugly truths

Woman at Point Zero sounds really good, Hannah. Thanks for bringing it to mt attention.

Wow Hannah, your list is fantastic. You’ve given me some more books to add to my ever expanding TBR list. ❤️

I hope you like it as much as I did Story

Thanks Sophie, I hope you enjoy :)

Story❤ wrote: "Woman at Point Zero sounds really good, Hannah. Thanks for bringing it to mt attention."

It is really, really good!

Isn't it?! I still can't stop thinking about it. Firdaus' strength and insight in such horrendous circumstances is so inspiring. El saadawi is a fantastic writer and I can't wait to get my hands on more of her books.

14/20 The Mussel Feast by Birgit Vanderbeke **** Germany

A teenage girl waits, with her mother and brother, for her father to return from a business trip. In a beautifully written and utterly convincing stream of consciousness style she reflects upon their abusive family dynamics. I loved this book a lot but I found the ending quite abrupt and I want more!

15/20 The Dog Who Dared to Dream by Sun-mi Hwang 4.5* South Korea

A wonderfully written tale of resilience, love and unexpected friendships. A harrowing examination of the relationship between humans and other animals. There were times when I felt that scraggly's relationship with grandpa screecher was comparable to that of an abusive relationship: no matter how much she suffers, how much he puts her through, she cannot help but love him and keep returning to him. She has nowhere else to go but also she always harbours hope

16/20 Baba Yaga Laid an Egg by Dubravka Ugrešić *** Croatia
Mixed feelings about this one. I really liked some parts and had to skim others. Loved the feminism and the cranky elderly ladies telling it how it is

17/20 The Eighth Life by Nino Haratischwili ***** Georgia
My partner and I read this together during lockdown and we both loved it so much. The characters are so real and well developed and their relationships are so complex. It tells the lesser known stories of the women and the traumas behind the wars and revolutions of over a century of time. It brought us both to tears on many occasions during reading and whilst reflecting afterwards. Stasia, Kitty and Niza will be with me for a long time, I'm sure of it.

18/20 Butterflies in November by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir Iceland 3 stars

A quiet novel about a woman discovering herself, a trip across Iceland and an unexpected friendship.

19/20 Things that Fall from the Sky by Selja Ahava *** Finland
An unusual, quirky little book about the meaning (or lack thereof) of conincidences

20/20 The Bridge of Beyond by Simone Schwarz-Bart **** Guadeloupe
A beautifully written story of women who suffer, women who keep going - because they have no choice - and can eventually find joy in the world time and time again

With that I've completed my challenge! I've enjoyed this far too much to stop here though and am upping my goal to 30 books!

Congratulations, Hannah!

Such a brilliant run Hannah, I'm envious. I really rated The Mussel Feast too, I wasn't sure about the style/structure at first but it worked brilliantly. I keep meaning to add her other Peirene novel to my list which also looks promising. I like the sound of Butterflies in Novemberas well. And I've seen references to the Schwartz-Bart and keep thinking it sounds really interesting. Thanks for all the feedback, I'm trying to narrow down my tbr list and it's so useful to get a sense of what titles I've heard of, but not investigated, might be like. I wasn't sure about The Eighth Life but sounds as if I should try that too.

Hannah wrote: "19/20 Things that Fall from the Sky by Selja Ahava *** Finland
An unusual, quirky little book about the meaning (or lack thereof) of conincidences

20/20 [book:The ..."

A pox on completion : ) I"m glad you're upping your goal. Your descriptions in this thread are so perfect - you either introduce me to something new, remind me that I want to read X or assure me that my avoidance of Y is my best move (for me). I look forward to continuing to benefit from this great thread.

Alwynne wrote: "Such a brilliant run Hannah, I'm envious. I really rated The Mussel Feast too, I wasn't sure about the style/structure at first but it worked brilliantly. I keep meaning to add her other Peirene no..."

Thanks! I really liked the style in the mussel feast - unusual in a good way. I'm also looking forward to reading her other novel when I can find a copy. The eighth life is on my favourites of all time shelf so I highly recommend it to anyone who is hesitating over taking on this doorstopper of a book!

Story wrote: "Congratulations, Hannah!"

Thanks Story it is satisfying to complete a challenge and this is my favourite of all challenges :)

Carol wrote: "Hannah wrote: "19/20 Things that Fall from the Sky by Selja Ahava *** Finland
An unusual, quirky little book about the meaning (or lack thereof) of conincidences

2..."

That means a lot Carol thank you. I've never reviewed books until joining this group earlier this year and I was quite hesitant about doing so. I'm never quite sure if anyone will care about what I have to say but you've all made me feel very welcome and helped increase my confidence

Hannah wrote: "With that I've completed my challenge! I've enjoyed this far too much to stop here though and am upping my goal to 30 books!..."

Congratulations, Hannah!
You've read some really interesting books--some of which I had already read but others I intend to read.
Well done on completing your challenge and chugging along forward.

Hannah wrote: "Carol wrote: "Hannah wrote: "19/20 Things that Fall from the Sky by Selja Ahava *** Finland
An unusual, quirky little book about the meaning (or lack thereof) of co..."

You're very welcome. There's no right way - but your voice, and your voice is authentic. btw, my sense over time both in this group and even more so on individual book threads at this site, generally, is that many people care and appreciate what you write but don't ever tell you. (I rather like the sense I have now of a choir of gentle, silent angels applauding when I post something, whether or not that's in fact the case.)

21/30 The Last Children of Tokyo by Yōko Tawada Japan ****
A terrifying future where climate change and pollution have caused the land, sea, air and even plants to become so toxic that there is no such thing as nature or wild animals anymore. The older generations have become stronger and are seemingly living forever whereas children are stricken with so many strange health problems and reactions that they may well be a separate species. I loved the world building, I loved the message - take care of our planet before it's too late! - and I loved the tender relationship between Mumei and his 'young elderly' great-grandfather.

22/30 The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank Dutch ***
This was a 3.5 star read for me. Some really profound insights for such a young age. Left me feeling very sad

23/30 Revenge by Yōko Ogawa Japanese ***
Very well written and eerie short stories

24/30 The Wind That Lays Waste by Selva Almada Argentinian Spanish ***
A preacher and his teenage daughter meet a mechanic and his naive apprentice when they brake down in the Argentinian countryside. This novella is an account of that single day. We get a brief and intriguing glimpse into the inner worlds of these four very different characters but there wasn't quite enough depth for me and a little too much of the preacher's preaching

25/30 The Hole by Hye-Young Pyun Korean **
A strange, haunting novel about a man who is widowed and paralysed in a car accident. It certainly is a terrifying thought to become so cut off from and yet utterly dependent upon others. However I found parts of this novel to be a little dull. The last quarter became a lot more interesting. Fantastically written throughout

26/30 Ru by Kim Thúy Vietnamese ***
A series of vignettes of a life split between Vietnam, a refugee camp in Malaysia and a new life in Quebec. The language was beautiful, poetic and meaningful but I found the style to be frustrating. The vignettes averaged about a page in length and switched back and forth in time so often that I felt dizzy and confused. I found it to be much more enjoyable when read in short bursts but I prefer something that I can immerse myself in more deeply. Still, I am glad for this reading experience and the author certainly has a talent for language

I am determined to get to my second goal of 30!

27/30 Miracle on Cherry Hill by Sun-mi Hwang, South Korea 2*
I'm still not sure how I feel about this one. I didn't feel a connection at all and almost DNF'd but then went back to find out what happened. It wasn't bad, I think it just wasn't for me

28/30 Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo, South Korea 4*
A young woman is raised in a misogynistic world where women are supposed to know their place, men are assumed superior in every way, women have very limited options and sexual harassment and threat are always the fault of the woman. Kim Jiyoung questions the misogyny in her world and is met with further anger, rejection and questions over her mental health. I found this a quick, and easy read. In places funny and encouraging and in others infuriating and disheartening; but always real. I found the intermingling of fiction with referenced facts to be a little strange at first but grew to like it and learned a lot! I read that there was an uproar in South Korea over the feminist opinions in this book which is in itself shocking. I did not find it to be extreme at all. The book must tell of truths that need telling to warrant this kind of reaction.

29/30 Out by Natsuo Kirino Japan 4*
Disturbing, creepy, interesting and surprisingly enjoyable. An impressive range and depth to so many different characters.

30/30 La Bastarda by Trifonia Melibea Obono 3.5*
I enjoyed this quick and easy to read account of a young woman in Equatorial Guinea questioning the views of 'normality' all around her

And with that I've completed my second goal of 30 WiT books for this year!

Well done! You read such a well-rounded and interesting set of books. I'm looking forward to seeing what you will choose for 2021.