I did it!
As in, I finished this absolute tome of a history book and with it I reached my yearly goal of 12 non-fiction books. And there's even a month and a half left for me to add a couple more (much shorter and faster reads).
#NonFictionNovember #WomensPrize #NonFiction
This chapter about family dynamics, patriarchy, and women's (lack of) rights in India in the 20th century was both fascinating and horrifying. A reminder that for a really good chunk of history and a vast amount of human societies women have had a really effing rotten deal. Some of the case studies/examples were really difficult to read about. (But also, shout out to the OG Bandit Queen, Phoolan Devi. Badass to the max.)
The wording here! ?
"At the time of writing Sheikh Hasina is the prime minister of Bangladesh; but Mujib's death was followed by three military coups in quick succession."
Hasina was still PM at the time of publication, just, and the 5th coup in 50 years was more a student uprising (eventually) backed by the military. (And no assassination) Still, the way that sentence goes seems almost prescient.
Shadows at Noon and train journeys at sunset.
Not the easiest read so far, but really interesting…
A week ago I definitely wasn‘t going to even consider reading any of the Women‘s Prize for NF.
Fast forward to today and, oops, look what arrived….the two biggest books on the long list. I also have everything else (apart from 1 that I don‘t want to read) reserved at the library or on BorrowBox or NG. 🤷♀️
I‘m looking forward to Shadows, despite its size, as I think it will be a great companion piece to A Suitable Boy.
Shadows at Noon: The South Asian Twentieth Century | 
