Women Without Men: A Novel of Modern Iran

By Shahrnush Parsipur

Women Without Men is a novel by Iranian-American author Shahrnush Parsipur. It was first published in Persian in 1989 and has since been translated into more than 20 languages. The novel tells the story of five women in Tehran in the 1950s and 1960s, during the reign of the Shah. The women are all from different backgrounds and have different experiences, but they are all united by their desire for freedom and independence.

Women Without Men: A Novel of Modern Iran

by Shirin Neshat

4.1 out of 5

FREE

The novel begins with the story of Faezeh, a young woman who is forced into marriage by her family. Faezeh is unhappy in her marriage and longs for a life of her own. She eventually runs away from home and finds work as a prostitute. Faezeh's story is a powerful indictment of the patriarchal society of Iran, which denies women basic rights and freedoms.

The other four women in the novel are also victims of the patriarchal system. Monir is a wealthy woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage. Zarin is a young woman who is forced to work as a prostitute to support her family. Mahdokht is a lesbian who is persecuted for her sexuality. And Munis is a young woman who is imprisoned for her political beliefs.

Despite the hardships they face, the women in Women Without Men remain defiant. They refuse to be defined by the roles that society has assigned to them. They are strong, independent, and determined to live their lives on their own terms.

Women Without Men is a powerful and moving novel that offers a unique perspective on the lives of women in Iran. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in women's rights, Iranian literature, or the history of modern Iran.

Characters

• Faezeh: A young woman who is forced into marriage by her family. She eventually runs away from home and finds work as a prostitute.
• Monir: A wealthy woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage.
• Zarin: A young woman who is forced to work as a prostitute to support her family.
• Mahdokht: A lesbian who is persecuted for her sexuality.
• Munis: A young woman who is imprisoned for her political beliefs.

Themes

• Women's rights
• Freedom and independence
• The patriarchal system
• Love and marriage
• The history of modern Iran

Critical reception

Women Without Men has been praised by critics for its powerful storytelling, its vivid characters, and its exploration of important social and political issues. The novel has been compared to the works of other great writers, such as Virginia Woolf and James Joyce.

In a review for The New York Times, Michiko Kakutani wrote: "Women Without Men is a powerful and moving novel that offers a unique perspective on the lives of women in Iran. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in women's rights, Iranian literature, or the history of modern Iran."

In a review for The Guardian, Rachel Cooke wrote: "Women Without Men is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel. Parsipur's characters are unforgettable, and her insights into the lives of women in Iran are both profound and compassionate."

Legacy

Women Without Men is now considered a classic of Iranian literature. The novel has been adapted into a film, a play, and an opera. It has also been translated into more than 20 languages.

The novel has had a significant impact on the lives of women in Iran. It has inspired women to speak out against the patriarchal system and to fight for their rights. It has also helped to raise awareness of the plight of women in Iran.

Women Without Men is a powerful and moving novel that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a must-read for anyone interested in women's rights, Iranian literature, or the history of modern Iran.

Women Without Men: A Novel of Modern Iran

by Shirin Neshat

4.1 out of 5

FREE