A Woman Is No Man

More about the book

In 1990 Palestine, seventeen-year-old Isra prefers books over the suitors chosen by her father. Within a week, she is betrothed and married, moving to Brooklyn where she faces the oppressive expectations of her mother-in-law, Fareeda, and her new husband, Adam. As she struggles to adapt, the pressure mounts when she gives birth to four daughters instead of the sons Fareeda insists she must have. Fast forward to 2008, Deya, Isra's eldest daughter, is pushed by her grandmother to meet potential husbands, despite her dream of attending college. Deya reflects on how different her life might have been if her parents had survived the car crash that claimed them when she was eight. However, Fareeda believes that marriage is the only path to a secure future for Deya. As fate unfolds, Deya embarks on an unexpected journey that uncovers shocking family truths, compelling her to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about her parents, their past, and her own future. This narrative explores themes of culture, honor, secrets, and the impact of silence and shame, offering an intimate look into a controlling cultural world while addressing universal issues of family and identity.