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Original poster

The War on Women 99p on kindle

34 replies

jamaisjedors · 24/10/2017 09:59

Just in case anyone is interested, the War on Women, a collection by the journalist Sue Lloyd Roberts is on offer this month for 99p on Amazon (kindle).

I am currently reading it, obviously the subject matter is really tough (Fgm, sex trafficking... But also unequal pay into the UK) but it is well written and "easy" to understand even if you don't have in depth knowledge of the subjects discussed.

Also, despite the subject matter, I like that she also focuses on the women who are standing up and speaking out against these atrocities.

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Original poster
jamaisjedors · 20/11/2017 20:49

Yes I had been hoping to be enlightened about what went on in the Congo too.

Otherwise I thought the book was really great, as others have said, inspiring and uplifting.

I found the change in styles when her daughter takes over in the final chapter quite jarring, makes you realise what a good writer the author is/was.

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doctorcuntybollocks · 14/11/2017 20:27

I would also have appreciated the author making some effort to explain the political background to the war in the Congo rather than giving us a bit of 'it's complicated' style handwaving. Sub-saharan Africa never seems to be deemed worthy of that sort of effort though.

LaurieFairyCake · 14/11/2017 20:21

Dammit. It’s £5.99 now

doctorcuntybollocks · 14/11/2017 20:16

I've just finished the chapter on rape as a weapon of war and feel very disappointed in the author.

The first half deals with the Balkans and the second with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I thought that the section on the Congo was cursory and didn't even begin the explore the depths of horror inflicted on women in that country. I suppose that the author, having stated in the first section that rape is so much worse when experienced by muslim women, couldn't afford to dwell on the true extent of the sufferings of the non-muslim Congolese.

doctorcuntybollocks · 14/11/2017 11:25

These chapters tell how the collapse of the soviet empire led large numbers of desperate and woefully innocent young women to leave their moribund villages and fall into the hands of traffickers. And how the war in the Balkans created a lively market for these sex slaves among the UN peacekeepers.

doctorcuntybollocks · 14/11/2017 11:13

I've just read the chapters on sex trafficking (chapters 6 and 7).

ginteresting · 29/10/2017 21:03

Thankyou for the recommendation op, I started reading this morning and I can't put it down.

allegretto · 27/10/2017 09:42

Thanks!

Lambside · 27/10/2017 09:39

Bought this yesterday on iBooks for 99p after reading this thread. Must admit I wasn't sure whether I wanted to read it and get more fed up with the state of the world. However the tone is inspiring and strong. The author sounds an amazing woman from the introduction and although the articles are a harrowing read I'm coming away feeling angry and determined.
On third one.

MiaowTheCat · 26/10/2017 16:25

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Original poster
jamaisjedors · 26/10/2017 15:31

Absolutely doctor.

It is painful to think how much all the tip-toing around to not be accused of racism has impacted women's lives.

I am also struck by how changes in the law which in theory aim to help women, in reality seem to make things worse (honour killings chapter).

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hesterton · 26/10/2017 15:29

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doctorcuntybollocks · 26/10/2017 15:26

I've now read the Forced Marriage and Honour Killing chapters.
What jumps out here is the way in which white 'anti-racism' tends to manifest itself as a willingness to listen to the men in minority communities while ignoring and belittling the women.

doctorcuntybollocks · 26/10/2017 12:15

I've just finished the chapter on the Magdalene Laundries. Once again I'm struck by the conviction that these 'deeply religious' people have no belief in god whatsoever: their god is just a sockpuppet to endorse their decision to do whatever they were going to do anyway.

Notlostjustexploring · 25/10/2017 21:29

"in which women are regarded as the embodiment of sin."

This seems to be quite the common theme throughout. I can't even begin to express my anger and disgust.

I'm only on chapter 4, but I already feel humbled at the sheer grit shown by these women.

littlechou · 24/10/2017 23:14

Just bought it.

And marking my place for a book club style discussion Grin

badbadhusky · 24/10/2017 22:10

I downloaded it but the last few posts are making me think I won’t read on my upcoming holiday.

Notlostjustexploring · 24/10/2017 22:07

I think I'm only on page 4 and I already feel sick. I'm so used to seeing the acronym FGM in the news it has become sanitised, it is hammering the point home that it is indeed, mutilation, and so many girls are put through that.Sad

doctorcuntybollocks · 24/10/2017 21:58

I haven't learned much that's new because I'm fairly well-informed on many of these issues anyway, but it's useful (and weirdly invigorating) to have so many different instantiations of the cruelty of male self-interest laid out in one place.

My head will probably explode when I get to the chapter about the Congo.

Original poster
jamaisjedors · 24/10/2017 21:32

Yes the religious element make me want to vomit.

Am haunted by the sheer numbers of cases of Fgm, I think I protected myself by imagining it was far far less widespread than it actually is.

Am also feeling less proud of my Irish heritage after chapter 3.

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doctorcuntybollocks · 24/10/2017 21:30

I've just finished the chapter on Saudi Arabia.

I'm prone to pulsatile tinnitus anyway, but my ears are now buzzing particularly loudly with rage. (Oddly, I have completely normal blood pressure.)

The thing that has struck me again and again through the three chapters I've read so far is the disingenuousness of the men giving religious justifications for abusing women. They don't believe a word they're saying.

Original poster
jamaisjedors · 24/10/2017 20:55

So, in a month ?

Or shall we start chatting now doctorWink?

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Notlostjustexploring · 24/10/2017 20:20

Downloaded.

I hate you people. The amount of books I've bought off the back of feminism chat is going to send me into insolvency!*

But seriously, thank you for the recommendation and I look forward to future discussions.

*My last one bought following a recommendation here was "feminist fight club". Excellent, excellent book.

MeatAndPotato · 24/10/2017 20:11

Purchasssssed Smile

doctorcuntybollocks · 24/10/2017 20:06

I bought it this afternoon and have so far read the chapers on FGM and the treatment of women in India.