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A review by ashlightgrayson
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This book was an excellent exploration of patriarchy in Latin America and how that affects the advancement of women outside of the roles assigned to them by society. Camila is an Argentinian teenager of Middle Eastern descent who wishes to become a professional soccer player, against the wishes of her parents. Her father is abusive, unhappy, and sexist man. Unfortunately we see how some of his attitudes trickle down to his son (Camila's brother) Pablo. There is a particular conversation between Pablo and Camila that highlights this. It is pertaining to the recent murder of a local young woman. Pablo believes that her death could have been avoided had she not been out so late at night, effectively blaming the victim for the tragedy. Despite adopting some of his father's thoughts on issues like this, he is also another victim in his household. Pablo's father consistently compares him to others in terms of where he is in his soccer career and expresses his disappointment in his son's aspirations. Pablo serves as a foil for Camila as well. By the end of the story, he makes choices about his life that are the opposite of Camila's. Whether those choices are damning or not is open to interpretation. However, I found it incredibly interesting that Camila and him end up in seemingly opposite positions than at the beginning of the story.
Throughout the book it feels like Camila is encased in this protective bubble by the men around her, including her love interest, Diego. As the story progresses, Camila takes steps to gain her independence and prioritize what she wants despite her circumstances. She bumps into opposition in this process and is forced to reevaluate her relationships with the men around her. Overall, I think the men in the story are given nuance. Overall, with the exception of maybe Camila's father, have good intentions. However, those intentions don't always translate well into seeing Camila as a respectable and independent equal that does not require rescuing. Overall, I think Camila is able to gain the respect of most of the men in her as well as her own mother. Camila's mother also finds her own independence as Camila finds hers and by the end is happier for it.
In terms of representation, Camila is of Arabic descent and also has an Arabic last name. Her friend Roxana is also an Argentine with Asian parents. I appreciated that these details about the characters highlighted that Latinxs have diverse backgrounds. We also see Roxana's wealth and the support her family provides her juxtaposed against the poverty and lack of support Camila has from her family. They do have issues that they face and eventually overcome throughout the book in their relationship. I think their friendship was well written and compelling and I always love seeing that in books.
If you are looking for a story that is hopeful and has excellent character development and commentary on machismo culture I highly recommend this book.
Throughout the book it feels like Camila is encased in this protective bubble by the men around her, including her love interest, Diego. As the story progresses, Camila takes steps to gain her independence and prioritize what she wants despite her circumstances. She bumps into opposition in this process and is forced to reevaluate her relationships with the men around her. Overall, I think the men in the story are given nuance. Overall, with the exception of maybe Camila's father, have good intentions. However, those intentions don't always translate well into seeing Camila as a respectable and independent equal that does not require rescuing. Overall, I think Camila is able to gain the respect of most of the men in her as well as her own mother. Camila's mother also finds her own independence as Camila finds hers and by the end is happier for it.
In terms of representation, Camila is of Arabic descent and also has an Arabic last name. Her friend Roxana is also an Argentine with Asian parents. I appreciated that these details about the characters highlighted that Latinxs have diverse backgrounds. We also see Roxana's wealth and the support her family provides her juxtaposed against the poverty and lack of support Camila has from her family. They do have issues that they face and eventually overcome throughout the book in their relationship. I think their friendship was well written and compelling and I always love seeing that in books.
If you are looking for a story that is hopeful and has excellent character development and commentary on machismo culture I highly recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Misogyny, and Infidelity