An Unnecessary Woman

by Rabih Alameddine

Review by Monica Kochar

The book club meet for March 2025 was held on 28th of the month at my home. Though only 5 members attended physically we had email responses from Kathy and Christina which added significantly to the lively discussion. It was a very vocal sharing of views by all participants.

The story revolves around an aging woman Aliya who past the prime of her youth now reflects back on the life she lived, experiences that shaped her personality in the background of political upheaval her country Lebanon is going through and the effect it is having on her and the world around especially the young minds.

Her upbringing, failed marriage and lack of social contact have left her isolated with exception of one friend Hanna who tragically takes her own life. This is the tale of anguish. Alone she finds refuge in literature, and she starts translating books that resonate with her into Arabic very meticulously and religiously but after the translation the books are not shared. Maybe her lack of support from her estranged family and society gives her the feeling of being an unnecessary woman.

The irony is all her life work is salvaged by the three ladies she calls witches and are her neighbors. She ignores and avoids them all her life but they come to her rescue on two major occasions. Once to save her from the clutches of her own family and second to save all her translations and offer to get them published.  

The thing that most impacted was the author who so intimately writes about the feeling of woman is himself a man though very conversant with lot of authors and philosophers and quotes their ideas very liberally in the entire book.

The discussion included the book questions and personal and relatable experiences of the participating members. It was a very interesting and insightful meet.

The book was rated 8/10.