Possessing the Secret of Joy, by Alice Walker
Published in 1992
269 pages
I've read this book in the French translation because it was available at my local library and I thought I wouldn't be interested in reading this story more than once.
The first thing I was reluctant about in this book is the theme of genital mutilation. The main character's sister died in childhood while undergoing the procedure, yet Tashi decides to go through with it because it's a link to the culture she grew up in. Unfortunately, it drives her mad.
The second thing that threw me off was the multiple-voices narration. It didn't help that all those people alternated between the present and their memories.
Yet this is a well-written book, with engaging characters and asking questions worth thinking about. Tashi especially is an incredible character. But I haven't been able to forget the uncomfortable theme, and my overall feeling after reading this book is exactly what I had anticipated - I'm glad I'm done with it, and don't think I'll go back there any time soon.
269 pages
I've read this book in the French translation because it was available at my local library and I thought I wouldn't be interested in reading this story more than once.
The first thing I was reluctant about in this book is the theme of genital mutilation. The main character's sister died in childhood while undergoing the procedure, yet Tashi decides to go through with it because it's a link to the culture she grew up in. Unfortunately, it drives her mad.
The second thing that threw me off was the multiple-voices narration. It didn't help that all those people alternated between the present and their memories.
Yet this is a well-written book, with engaging characters and asking questions worth thinking about. Tashi especially is an incredible character. But I haven't been able to forget the uncomfortable theme, and my overall feeling after reading this book is exactly what I had anticipated - I'm glad I'm done with it, and don't think I'll go back there any time soon.