Review of Women of Fire and Snow

[Ulrich Gima]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Women of Fire and Snow" by Nati del Paso.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The difficulties and challenges that women face due to discrimination and the notion that men are superior to women in society are not strange. Even with all the laws put in force and the different organizations that have stood up to ensure that gender inequality is eradicated and women become more privileged in society, a significant number of women around the world still fall prey to these ills. Women of Fire and Snow by Nati del Paso is a combination of stories that feature women fighting to survive in a world where the odds are generally against them. The novel wields superstition and magic realism, coming up with epic scenes that illustrate the survival of an underprivileged woman.

I loved the author's enthusiasm for the plight of women who suffered as a result of what society thought of them or how those around them reacted to their situations. It was clear that the book sought to bring examples of a few out of so many to light.

The first story in the book, which is that of a female immigrant struggling to survive and keep her family afloat, brings to mind the thousands of individuals who have to put up with so many unpleasant circumstances in societies or countries that barely accept them. Though, over the years, immigrants have been less subjected to restrictions in countries like the US, it still remains an important point of concern.

The book passes on a very pertinent message to readers. However, I didn't totally enjoy reading through the book. The different and totally unrelated stories, some of which were abruptly short, made reading a little unpleasant for me. Apart from a few grammar errors and some profane language, I found no other negative aspects of the book. With all this, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars.

I highly recommend this book to all who have a plight for underprivileged women. It's also recommended for readers who love a touch of magic realism in literary work.

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Women of Fire and Snow
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