Both Right and Left Handed: Arab Women Talk About Their Lives (Paperback)

by Bouthaina Shaaban (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
" . . . The real Muslim is the one 'who doesn't let his left hand know what his right hand has given."' How better to describe the selflessness of Arab women in their daily lives in a society of constant oppression by their fathers, husbands, brothers, and even sons. Shaaban, a Syrian with a Ph.D. from Warwick University (U.K.), interviewed numerous Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Algerian women from all walks of life. Almost without exception, they described their lives with bitterness, anger, and frustration. Many had fought alongside men as equals in wars of independence and survival, only to be relegated to their former servile status once the wars ended. Many have advanced degrees and teach in universities but still hold subservient positions at home. Almost all have had no say in the major events of their lives: marriages, childbirth, divorce. However, these women are far from passive; from Shaaban's interviews, there emerges a profile of a strong-willed, intelligent, extraordinary Arab woman, dissatisfied with her lot and determined to make changes. Unlike some compilations of interviews, Shaaban's is a coherent, smooth, very readable work that includes a useful glossary of Arabic terms. Highly recommended, particularly for women's studies and Middle East collections in academic and public libraries.
- Ruth K. Baacke, Bellingham P.L., Wash.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"An intriguing voyage into the otherwise hidden lives of Arab women." -- Washington Post Book World

"A brave and moving book." -- Ms. magazine

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press; 1st Midland Book Ed edition (October 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 025320688X
• ISBN-13: 978-0253206886
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,954,062 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for Women's Studies and Arab Studies, April 10, 2008

By	L. Mahayni "Queen of Contradiction" (Eugene, OR United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an Arab-American woman, I found this book not only informative but extraordinary because Bouthaina Shaaban understands English and Arabic both well enough that instead of poor translations by a third party or paraphrasing, she actually gives the reader a glimpse inside Arab women using their own words!

The book does not claim to be a thorough study of women throughout the Arab world but a sampling which shows their diversity both in circumstance and culture. Note the huge difference between the young unwed mother in the beginning and the North African woman at the end.

This is an important, even landmark, work in my view. I personally own two copies so that I can continuously circulate one among friends and family. Without fail, those who borrow it, come back to me grateful for having read it.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting insider viewpoints, September 15, 2004

By	Erika Mitchell (E. Calais, VT USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Both Right and Left Handed: Arab Women Talk about Their Lives (Women's Studies Politics) (Hardcover)

This book consists of a series of interviews with Arabic women in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Algeria. Because the women interviewed were personal contacts or contacts of contacts of the author, it almost comes across as snapshots in a personal photo album. Most of the women interviewed are leaders, women of prominence in their countries, or university professors like the author herself. The attitudes they express towards the state of women in their countries is remarkably similar, but the reader can't assume that these attitudes prevail in these countries because no attempt was made at trying to reach a representative sample of women. Nevertheless, the book is extremely interesting, informative, and thought-provoking. Many of the women interviewed point out the strength of women and their remarkable achievements during armed struggles. They rail against husbands who ignore their intellectual abilities and accomplishments while requiring them to be perfect house cleaners, cooks, and child care givers. A number of the women reflect that they themselves may be partly to blame in the way that they raise children, especially their sons. Almost universally, they are unhappy with their present state, but on the other hand, they would not want to have the lifestyle of European women. But do they understand the lives of European women any better than European women understand the lives of Arab women?

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars both right and left handed, August 4, 2006

By	Sarah Younes (Norway) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book was signed by the author, and in great condition. The shipping was very fast!