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Seven
A rich, soulfully written novel about inheritance and resistance that tests the balance between modern and traditional customs.
When Sharifa accompanies her husband on a marriage-saving trip to India, she thinks that she's going to research her great-great-grandfather, a wealthy business leader and philanthropist. What captures her imagination is not his rags-to-riches story, but the mystery of his four wives, missing from the family lore. She ends up excavating much more than she had imagined.
Sharifa's trip coincides with a time of unrest within her insular and conservative religious community, and there is no escaping its politics. A group of feminists is speaking out against khatna, an age-old ritual they insist is female genital cutting. Sharifa’s two favourite cousins are on opposite sides of the debate and she seeks a middle ground. As the issue heats up, Sharifa discovers an unexpected truth and is forced to take a position.
When Sharifa accompanies her husband on a marriage-saving trip to India, she thinks that she's going to research her great-great-grandfather, a wealthy business leader and philanthropist. What captures her imagination is not his rags-to-riches story, but the mystery of his four wives, missing from the family lore. She ends up excavating much more than she had imagined.
Sharifa's trip coincides with a time of unrest within her insular and conservative religious community, and there is no escaping its politics. A group of feminists is speaking out against khatna, an age-old ritual they insist is female genital cutting. Sharifa’s two favourite cousins are on opposite sides of the debate and she seeks a middle ground. As the issue heats up, Sharifa discovers an unexpected truth and is forced to take a position.
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2020
43 people are currently reading
3,957 people want to read
About the author
Farzana Doctor
13books333followers I'm the author of Stealing Nasreen (Inanna 2007) and Six Metres of Pavement (Dundurn, 2011), All Inclusive (Dundurn, 2015) and Seven (2020).
My poetry collection, You Still Look The Same, will be released in 2022.
My poetry collection, You Still Look The Same, will be released in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
June 1, 2022
I was expecting a very intense and groundbreaking drama.
When I read the synopsis I purchased a copy without any second thoughts.
Unfortunately the writing is very amateurish and it seems that the target was a specific age and gender.
The storyline had great potential but its predictable development and structure did not work for me.
The short chapters about the ancestors was unnecessary.
I wished that this book was written in third person.
Anyways, I was numb the whole time.
I feel bad for rating this book. It was definitely not for me.
P.S. I think that the topic is too important to be directed to one segment. Everyone should be involved to fight such practice. I’m sure that not everyone is aware that such atrocity is still in practice in several parts of the world.
Edited on June 1, 2022
When I read the synopsis I purchased a copy without any second thoughts.
Unfortunately the writing is very amateurish and it seems that the target was a specific age and gender.
The storyline had great potential but its predictable development and structure did not work for me.
The short chapters about the ancestors was unnecessary.
I wished that this book was written in third person.
Anyways, I was numb the whole time.
I feel bad for rating this book. It was definitely not for me.
P.S. I think that the topic is too important to be directed to one segment. Everyone should be involved to fight such practice. I’m sure that not everyone is aware that such atrocity is still in practice in several parts of the world.
Edited on June 1, 2022
December 10, 2020
December 09, 2020: A Manhattan-based school teacher—Sharifa—is stultified in her work and marriage so a quick trip to Mumbai, a city in India, for eight months is planned to possibly resuscitate the loosening bonds; plus, Sharifa can finally research about her great, great-grandfather who was once an immensely rich philanthropist. But landing in this new city that the main character does have cultural ties to, her family's history doesn't seem to just be an impressive leap of faith landing them huge wealth. Climbing up a tree of family secrets that include, but aren't limited to, the enigma surrounding four women who were once wives of this great, great-grandfather but have been missing from the ancestral lore, the story becomes engrossing in all its sense.
Spotlighting a practice observed, but not limited to, in India and unfortunately ritualistic as well as controversial, Seven dives into laying down a custom called 'khatna' that is—in all its basic meaning yet complex connotations�an act of female genital mutilation. Highlighting a tradition so absurd yet prevalent, the simple writing but careful sequences successfully project varied views yet smoothly disseminate awareness through a sensitive discussion around such a realistic issue. A subtle, tension-filled tone of placing old traditions in a scale of relevance sits well with a narrative voice that isn't accusatory and in fact, understanding of the difficulty in untangling the complexities flowing through centuries.
Complemented with themes like strict gender roles established within the south asian culture, discovering oneself without the stature of a marriage, and authentic, unfiltered reactions to changing antiquated rituals, makes this literary fiction uniquely tender and resilient as well as surprisingly delicate and urgent.
March 7, 2020: "balance between modern and traditional customs" I'm so ready to read this women's fiction that gives a spotlight to feminists.
Spotlighting a practice observed, but not limited to, in India and unfortunately ritualistic as well as controversial, Seven dives into laying down a custom called 'khatna' that is—in all its basic meaning yet complex connotations�an act of female genital mutilation. Highlighting a tradition so absurd yet prevalent, the simple writing but careful sequences successfully project varied views yet smoothly disseminate awareness through a sensitive discussion around such a realistic issue. A subtle, tension-filled tone of placing old traditions in a scale of relevance sits well with a narrative voice that isn't accusatory and in fact, understanding of the difficulty in untangling the complexities flowing through centuries.
Complemented with themes like strict gender roles established within the south asian culture, discovering oneself without the stature of a marriage, and authentic, unfiltered reactions to changing antiquated rituals, makes this literary fiction uniquely tender and resilient as well as surprisingly delicate and urgent.
� an absolute favorite. �
� an early digital copy received via netgalley but review would remain uninfluenced. �
March 7, 2020: "balance between modern and traditional customs" I'm so ready to read this women's fiction that gives a spotlight to feminists.
May 22, 2021
Even though
Seven
is overly long, quite “chick-litty�, and characterized by a fair bit of Hindi and Arabic vocabulary, it’s a readable novel. It focuses on the practice of khatna (female circumcision/genital mutilation) in the Dawoodi Bohra community, a sect of Shia Islam, about which I admit to having known nothing before reading Farzana Doctor’s book. Khatna is typically performed on female children when they are seven years old. It is said to maintain girls� “purity� and reduce the likelihood of their acting out sexually. Some who undergo the procedure experience no diminishment in feeling, but for others there is nerve damage, causing loss of normal sensation or even significant pain. Trauma is not uncommon. Girls are usually not told what is being done to them. Afterwards, they are instructed not to discuss what they’ve been through.
Set in 2015, the novel centres on Sharifa, a 40-year-old New Yorker, who in childhood immigrated to the U.S. with her parents. Now, years later, she’s burnt out from fifteen years as a high-school history teacher. She resigns from her job in order to travel with her Canadian-born Bohra husband, Murtuza, and their seven-year-old daughter, Zee, to Mumbai. Murtuza will be teaching a course while on sabbatical there. Sharifa’s affluent Indian cousins have arranged luxurious accommodations for her family’s eight-month stay.
Before Sharifa leaves the U.S., her recently widowed mother encourages her to put her training as a historian to use in India by doing some research on the family patriarch, Abdoolally Seth, her great-great-grandfather. When Abdoolally was a child, he and his mother, Amtabai, left Dholka, their small Gujarati village, to make their way in Mumbai. Amtabai’s instincts were good ones: Abdoolally’s would be the quintessential rags-to-riches story. He started as an illiterate boy in servitude to others and became an extremely wealthy and influential businessman—and one with a conscience to boot. He bequeathed two-thirds of his riches to charity for the establishment of Bohra schools and a maternity hospital in his home village. The first two of the patriarch’s young wives had died in childbirth; his losing them left a permanent mark. He married his fourth wife, the homely widow of a loyal employee, as a good deed. However, it’s the third wife, Zehra, who captures Sharifa’s imagination. For some mysterious reason, Abdoolally divorced the young woman after only two years of marriage, something almost unheard of in the Bohra community of the early twentieth century. Sharifa aims to get to the bottom of Zehra’s story, and, indeed, by the end of the book, she does.
Once in India, Sharifa spends lots of time with her cousins, Zainab and Fatema. The three, who are the same age, had been inseparable as children. Fatema is a wealthy businesswoman who owns a successful publishing house. She’s also a committed feminist and social activist, critical of the corruption and misogyny in the Bohra community, and particularly angry about khatna. This is a practice decreed by the male leaders of the sect, but enforced and carried out by its women. Fatema collects and posts the stories of khatna survivors on her Facebook page, but she, too, has been personally touched and harmed by the rite. She challenges Sharifa to think about what she’d rather avoid and makes some shocking disclosures.
Seven is an interesting novel, rich in anthropological detail about a community I suspect many Westerners are unaware of. The content highlights the importance of halting a barbaric, inhumane practice. I believe this book, like so many other contemporary works of fiction, would have benefited from a rigorous slimming down by at least a third. Sometimes less really is more. The reader doesn’t need to know the menu for every meal, nor the subject matter for every home-schooled lesson Sharifa delivers to Zee while they’re in India. Furthermore, the author seems a lot more interested in detailing aspects of Sharifa and Murtuza’s sex life—including the Fifty-Shades-of-Grey elements—than I was in reading about them. The details are remarkable only for their utter tediousness. They fail to compensate for an often bland, disappointingly passive, and occasionally dim-witted protagonist. However, just when I was losing all faith in Sharifa, she surprised me by quite courageously (for her) confronting the member of her family who’d betrayed her. The novel’s epilogue is also strong. The heartwarming elements of the women buying matching Indian clothes I could have done without.
Thank you to Farzana Doctor, who herself endured khatna, and to Library Thing Early Reviewers program for kindly providing me with a hard copy of the book.
Set in 2015, the novel centres on Sharifa, a 40-year-old New Yorker, who in childhood immigrated to the U.S. with her parents. Now, years later, she’s burnt out from fifteen years as a high-school history teacher. She resigns from her job in order to travel with her Canadian-born Bohra husband, Murtuza, and their seven-year-old daughter, Zee, to Mumbai. Murtuza will be teaching a course while on sabbatical there. Sharifa’s affluent Indian cousins have arranged luxurious accommodations for her family’s eight-month stay.
Before Sharifa leaves the U.S., her recently widowed mother encourages her to put her training as a historian to use in India by doing some research on the family patriarch, Abdoolally Seth, her great-great-grandfather. When Abdoolally was a child, he and his mother, Amtabai, left Dholka, their small Gujarati village, to make their way in Mumbai. Amtabai’s instincts were good ones: Abdoolally’s would be the quintessential rags-to-riches story. He started as an illiterate boy in servitude to others and became an extremely wealthy and influential businessman—and one with a conscience to boot. He bequeathed two-thirds of his riches to charity for the establishment of Bohra schools and a maternity hospital in his home village. The first two of the patriarch’s young wives had died in childbirth; his losing them left a permanent mark. He married his fourth wife, the homely widow of a loyal employee, as a good deed. However, it’s the third wife, Zehra, who captures Sharifa’s imagination. For some mysterious reason, Abdoolally divorced the young woman after only two years of marriage, something almost unheard of in the Bohra community of the early twentieth century. Sharifa aims to get to the bottom of Zehra’s story, and, indeed, by the end of the book, she does.
Once in India, Sharifa spends lots of time with her cousins, Zainab and Fatema. The three, who are the same age, had been inseparable as children. Fatema is a wealthy businesswoman who owns a successful publishing house. She’s also a committed feminist and social activist, critical of the corruption and misogyny in the Bohra community, and particularly angry about khatna. This is a practice decreed by the male leaders of the sect, but enforced and carried out by its women. Fatema collects and posts the stories of khatna survivors on her Facebook page, but she, too, has been personally touched and harmed by the rite. She challenges Sharifa to think about what she’d rather avoid and makes some shocking disclosures.
Seven is an interesting novel, rich in anthropological detail about a community I suspect many Westerners are unaware of. The content highlights the importance of halting a barbaric, inhumane practice. I believe this book, like so many other contemporary works of fiction, would have benefited from a rigorous slimming down by at least a third. Sometimes less really is more. The reader doesn’t need to know the menu for every meal, nor the subject matter for every home-schooled lesson Sharifa delivers to Zee while they’re in India. Furthermore, the author seems a lot more interested in detailing aspects of Sharifa and Murtuza’s sex life—including the Fifty-Shades-of-Grey elements—than I was in reading about them. The details are remarkable only for their utter tediousness. They fail to compensate for an often bland, disappointingly passive, and occasionally dim-witted protagonist. However, just when I was losing all faith in Sharifa, she surprised me by quite courageously (for her) confronting the member of her family who’d betrayed her. The novel’s epilogue is also strong. The heartwarming elements of the women buying matching Indian clothes I could have done without.
Thank you to Farzana Doctor, who herself endured khatna, and to Library Thing Early Reviewers program for kindly providing me with a hard copy of the book.
July 16, 2020
Seven is an important book. It deals with a traditional, yet very contemporary topic : Female Genital Mutilation. I'll shorten it to FGM throughout this review.
Sharifa goes to India to explore her heritage, and create a genealogy tree around Abdoolally (hoping I'm spelling it right, I'm horrible at this), as she gets curious about the various wives he had, that aren't really included in the family history. However, she ends up doing way more than this, and she uncovers the truth about the FGM's importance in India, and Indian culture.
FGM is not a topic I'm familiar with, and I discovered a lot about it in this book. It educated me more than a non-fiction book could have, as the characters involved in all this are very likeable, and talk about it with their emotions instead of complicated words. I especially liked to see how the author was not patronizing or vindicative while writing about FGM. We don't only get angry people saying FGM is BS etc... We also have more moderate reactions, and more interestingly, we get to have an insight from other women in Sharifa's family, who are in favor of FGM, and understand a little why they think it's an ok tradition.
The author was very careful in her writing, and I thought she was brilliantly exposed a topic, that is probably close to her heart. She didn't overdo or underdo it. She found the right tone to bring attention to it, without trying to force the reader to have a strong opinion on it, even though of course the narration is a little oriented against FGM. That was brilliantly executed. Period.
Sharifa and her whole family were such realistic characters it was quite easy to connect with them. I loved that we had both Sharifa's POV regarding everything happening. She uncovered things about her childhood, dealing with her own trauma, all while doing everything in her power to protect her daughter from their family.
A special shoutout needs to be given to Sharifa's husband, Murtuza. He was so gentle and understanding with his wife while she dealt with her sexuality, her sexual and mental health, and everything else ! What a man ! He never pushes Sharifa too far, listens to her, and tries to help her in any way he can, while also giving her the space she needs. We stan !
Honestly, there is only one aspect of the story I didn't like : The Abdoolally POVs and his story. I know his story is partially the reason Sharifa goes to India, but I just couldn't care for him, or his wives, or anything. I felt these parts could have completely left out. Actually, Abdoolally could not exist, and it wouldn't change much. The rest is pure gold, maturity (but in a good way), and well-done education about a topic often left in the dark.
Sharifa goes to India to explore her heritage, and create a genealogy tree around Abdoolally (hoping I'm spelling it right, I'm horrible at this), as she gets curious about the various wives he had, that aren't really included in the family history. However, she ends up doing way more than this, and she uncovers the truth about the FGM's importance in India, and Indian culture.
FGM is not a topic I'm familiar with, and I discovered a lot about it in this book. It educated me more than a non-fiction book could have, as the characters involved in all this are very likeable, and talk about it with their emotions instead of complicated words. I especially liked to see how the author was not patronizing or vindicative while writing about FGM. We don't only get angry people saying FGM is BS etc... We also have more moderate reactions, and more interestingly, we get to have an insight from other women in Sharifa's family, who are in favor of FGM, and understand a little why they think it's an ok tradition.
The author was very careful in her writing, and I thought she was brilliantly exposed a topic, that is probably close to her heart. She didn't overdo or underdo it. She found the right tone to bring attention to it, without trying to force the reader to have a strong opinion on it, even though of course the narration is a little oriented against FGM. That was brilliantly executed. Period.
Sharifa and her whole family were such realistic characters it was quite easy to connect with them. I loved that we had both Sharifa's POV regarding everything happening. She uncovered things about her childhood, dealing with her own trauma, all while doing everything in her power to protect her daughter from their family.
A special shoutout needs to be given to Sharifa's husband, Murtuza. He was so gentle and understanding with his wife while she dealt with her sexuality, her sexual and mental health, and everything else ! What a man ! He never pushes Sharifa too far, listens to her, and tries to help her in any way he can, while also giving her the space she needs. We stan !
Honestly, there is only one aspect of the story I didn't like : The Abdoolally POVs and his story. I know his story is partially the reason Sharifa goes to India, but I just couldn't care for him, or his wives, or anything. I felt these parts could have completely left out. Actually, Abdoolally could not exist, and it wouldn't change much. The rest is pure gold, maturity (but in a good way), and well-done education about a topic often left in the dark.
June 28, 2021
The premise of the story -- a woman goes to India, researches her family background, and uncovers family secrets, as well as information about khatna (ie. female genital mutilation) -- sounded intriguing. However, the book was a big disappointment.
First, I hated the writing style. I can't put my finger on it, but it was irritating. And speaking about irritating, Sharifa and her husband, Murtuza -- ugh. They are so obsessed with sex. They think that not having sex for a week is a big fucking deal. I get it -- some people have super high sex drives, but sex seemed to be THE most important thing in their marriage (even over their daughter), and honestly, it seemed like they didn't have much in common and didn't know how to be happy together without sex. I'm surprised that their marriage lasted for as long as it did. And Murtuza's pressing Sharifa to be more sexually adventurous -- double ugh. And the scene where Murtuza finally gets his way and is "dominant" -- triple ugh! If I wanted to read that crap, I'd read Fifty Shades of Grey.
First, I hated the writing style. I can't put my finger on it, but it was irritating. And speaking about irritating, Sharifa and her husband, Murtuza -- ugh. They are so obsessed with sex. They think that not having sex for a week is a big fucking deal. I get it -- some people have super high sex drives, but sex seemed to be THE most important thing in their marriage (even over their daughter), and honestly, it seemed like they didn't have much in common and didn't know how to be happy together without sex. I'm surprised that their marriage lasted for as long as it did. And Murtuza's pressing Sharifa to be more sexually adventurous -- double ugh. And the scene where Murtuza finally gets his way and is "dominant" -- triple ugh! If I wanted to read that crap, I'd read Fifty Shades of Grey.
March 12, 2021
I enjoyed this story. Sharifa is a woman coming into discovery of her roots, her customs, her people, her beliefs. There's a lot going on in this book, and it's presented well.
There is a dual timeline but the portion told from the past does not overtake the portion told from the present. I liked how Abdoolally's story unfolded and how it became a story that included his wives.
What comes across is that, past or present, people try to do the right thing. But what is right? As the author stated (I'm paraphrasing the words here): Memory is not Truth. Our memories play tricks on us, so what is real, what isn't?
I did feel frustration with Sharifa in a few points in the book where she seems to avoid looking directly at issues that she's investigating. She's looking for the truth but she also keeps issues hidden in her own way. Perhaps we all do that when an issue is too close to our psyches?
All in all, an enjoyable story. I listened to this on audio, which was narrated by the author. I enjoyed her pacing and tone throughout. It made for an enjoyable listening experience.
There is a dual timeline but the portion told from the past does not overtake the portion told from the present. I liked how Abdoolally's story unfolded and how it became a story that included his wives.
What comes across is that, past or present, people try to do the right thing. But what is right? As the author stated (I'm paraphrasing the words here): Memory is not Truth. Our memories play tricks on us, so what is real, what isn't?
I did feel frustration with Sharifa in a few points in the book where she seems to avoid looking directly at issues that she's investigating. She's looking for the truth but she also keeps issues hidden in her own way. Perhaps we all do that when an issue is too close to our psyches?
All in all, an enjoyable story. I listened to this on audio, which was narrated by the author. I enjoyed her pacing and tone throughout. It made for an enjoyable listening experience.
March 20, 2021
Quite an eye-opening book about khatna, a religious practice in India, and its effects on women. Very enlightening. Recommended.
February 20, 2021
"Doctor['s ...] ease of crafting narrative coupled with the likeability of Sharifa’s voice makes Seven feel more like a close friend sharing than an author telling a tale."
Please read on my thoughts on Farzana Doctor's Seven over at PRISM Magazine:
Please read on my thoughts on Farzana Doctor's Seven over at PRISM Magazine:
April 1, 2022
SEVEN is the story of a woman who goes to visit family in India in order to research her family history and save her marriage while her husband takes a teaching job at an Indian university. While there, she not only learns her family's history but also uncovers information about the custom of khatna, a form of female genital mutilation that is common in her Bohra Muslim community.
There were many things I liked about this book-- a nuanced discussion of this custom, uncovering of family secrets, learning about the Bohra Muslim community and how openly it discussed the mechanics of female sexuality and orgasm (many readers may not like this, but I did). What I did not particularly like was the execution of the story. The way the family history and present day timelines converged seemed very convenient. This is also one of those books that could have ended several times and ended up being too long. Probably about a hundred pages could have been shaved off if the family history was not given so much time. This is a good story of how one Indian family is affected by a controversial custom. The book would have been stronger if it had just limited itself to that instead of trying to cover all the bases and being afraid to end.
There were many things I liked about this book-- a nuanced discussion of this custom, uncovering of family secrets, learning about the Bohra Muslim community and how openly it discussed the mechanics of female sexuality and orgasm (many readers may not like this, but I did). What I did not particularly like was the execution of the story. The way the family history and present day timelines converged seemed very convenient. This is also one of those books that could have ended several times and ended up being too long. Probably about a hundred pages could have been shaved off if the family history was not given so much time. This is a good story of how one Indian family is affected by a controversial custom. The book would have been stronger if it had just limited itself to that instead of trying to cover all the bases and being afraid to end.
February 15, 2021
Sharifa and her husband are on an 8-month trip to India with their 7-year-old daughter, Zee. He has a teaching job, she's resigned from hers and given herself a project while there, to give her focus. That project begins with research about her great-great grandfather Abdoolally but shifts focus to the man's four wives, especially the third, and the fact that little is known about what happened to her.
She spends much time interviewing distant relatives about this and reconnecting with her cousins Fatema and Zainab, members of a 'Secret Cousins Club' with her, formed over years of visits together since childhood. Fatema and Zainab are now somewhat estranged from each other, and become almost stock 'types' in the novel, with Fatema the independent, free-thinking businesswoman and an active advocate against the practice of 'khatna' or Female Genital Mutilation, while Zainab follows a more traditional path and just wants to be a good mother, daughter, wife, and community supporter. Through their time together, Sharifa learns of her own traumatic experience as a child, one she's clearly repressed and one that speaks of terrible betrayal by her own aunt. It's also had a lasting impact on her own happiness as an adult.
The purpose and content of this novel--ultimately, as a treatise against the practise of Female Genital Mutilation, or 'khatna' as it's known in India--are important, but as a compelling fictional read, the piece just didn't succeed, for me. It often felt very forced, especially during attempts to share factual/cultural information. One such example is when the idea of female circumcision is introduced:
we get a definition of it because Sharifa has been reading and as she often likes to do, 'a game since childhood' she closes her eyes and 'flips the pages to a random spot.' And there it is, the definition of 'female circumcision among the Bohra...' How convenient and unrealistic. Some of the conversations meant to provide historical/cultural background read rather unnaturally, too.
Spoiler from here: not outright, but enough...
But ultimately, what I found very disappointing, were the last few chapters. Sharifa has been made out to be so ultra vigilant about her own daughter's safety, but misses every sign of Zee's issues at the end of the novel, despite their being so similar to her own.
She spends much time interviewing distant relatives about this and reconnecting with her cousins Fatema and Zainab, members of a 'Secret Cousins Club' with her, formed over years of visits together since childhood. Fatema and Zainab are now somewhat estranged from each other, and become almost stock 'types' in the novel, with Fatema the independent, free-thinking businesswoman and an active advocate against the practice of 'khatna' or Female Genital Mutilation, while Zainab follows a more traditional path and just wants to be a good mother, daughter, wife, and community supporter. Through their time together, Sharifa learns of her own traumatic experience as a child, one she's clearly repressed and one that speaks of terrible betrayal by her own aunt. It's also had a lasting impact on her own happiness as an adult.
The purpose and content of this novel--ultimately, as a treatise against the practise of Female Genital Mutilation, or 'khatna' as it's known in India--are important, but as a compelling fictional read, the piece just didn't succeed, for me. It often felt very forced, especially during attempts to share factual/cultural information. One such example is when the idea of female circumcision is introduced:
we get a definition of it because Sharifa has been reading and as she often likes to do, 'a game since childhood' she closes her eyes and 'flips the pages to a random spot.' And there it is, the definition of 'female circumcision among the Bohra...' How convenient and unrealistic. Some of the conversations meant to provide historical/cultural background read rather unnaturally, too.
Spoiler from here: not outright, but enough...
But ultimately, what I found very disappointing, were the last few chapters. Sharifa has been made out to be so ultra vigilant about her own daughter's safety, but misses every sign of Zee's issues at the end of the novel, despite their being so similar to her own.
July 31, 2020
"... while the men might have made the rules, it is the women, women I've loved, who've enforced them."
Since finishing Seven last night I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this line and the way the book ended. Doctor has written a powerhouse novel about the Dawoodi-Bohra community, a community that I was previously was not familiar with. The way the characters were portrayed and especially the way that Khatna (female genital mutilation) was discussed will resonate with the reader long after the last page has been read.
When I realized why the book was titled Seven I was left with such horror!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Dundurn Publishers for providing me with a copy in lieu of an honest review.
Since finishing Seven last night I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this line and the way the book ended. Doctor has written a powerhouse novel about the Dawoodi-Bohra community, a community that I was previously was not familiar with. The way the characters were portrayed and especially the way that Khatna (female genital mutilation) was discussed will resonate with the reader long after the last page has been read.
When I realized why the book was titled Seven I was left with such horror!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Dundurn Publishers for providing me with a copy in lieu of an honest review.
February 28, 2021
I struggled with this one. I can't tell if it's the narrator or if the writing is really bad. It feels like the author had a checklist of issues they wanted to mention and casually threw them in here and there. I also can't wrap my head around the character being so clueless.
I love that it's a book on such an important issue but it's poorly executed.
I love that it's a book on such an important issue but it's poorly executed.
March 30, 2021
When I first started reading, I'd go to the library at least once a week and get books. All the books. My bag always weighed a ton because it was always filled with books. That stopped once I got my phone and started reading ebooks almost exclusively. I'd still borrow them from libraries, but my bag was no longer filled. Fast forward about a decade, and I decided last year that I'd try to buy more physical books. I mean, I do have to lug them around when I move, but I should start somewhere.
I went and bought a bunch and ordered a few more online last December. This was one of them, and to be honest, I didn't even read the synopsis. It was massively discounted and put me over the threshold for a higher discount + free shipping. Not expecting much of it, I forgot about it until my semester ended.
I read it in a day; told myself I'd read a few pages before bed which turned into 100+. As an immigrant, you're always stuck between multiple - often conflicting - identities. This book explores themes of family, community, religion, identity, etc. and does it quite well. I found myself relating to a fair bit, especially where she sets out to discover her family history.
TW/CW: FGM/female circumcision plays a prominent role in this story. If you're unfamiliar with the topic, it's jarring to read about such a practice. There are scenes/discussions about survivorship and the labels/accepting it, which are done well, but is a trigger nonetheless.
I went and bought a bunch and ordered a few more online last December. This was one of them, and to be honest, I didn't even read the synopsis. It was massively discounted and put me over the threshold for a higher discount + free shipping. Not expecting much of it, I forgot about it until my semester ended.
I read it in a day; told myself I'd read a few pages before bed which turned into 100+. As an immigrant, you're always stuck between multiple - often conflicting - identities. This book explores themes of family, community, religion, identity, etc. and does it quite well. I found myself relating to a fair bit, especially where she sets out to discover her family history.
TW/CW: FGM/female circumcision plays a prominent role in this story. If you're unfamiliar with the topic, it's jarring to read about such a practice. There are scenes/discussions about survivorship and the labels/accepting it, which are done well, but is a trigger nonetheless.
November 27, 2020
This book was beautifully written and just so enlightening. I was deeply moved by the story of Sharifia as she embarks on a family trip to India to visit relatives and to try and save her marriage. What she ends up finding is something more. A story of culture beliefs, love, betrayal and standing up for female rights. This book looks at khatna which is a controversial topic. It explores why khatna is part of the Indian culture and more importantly explores the risks and trauma victims of this face. Farzana Doctor writes with such detail and care, her characters are ones you will care deeply for. Sharifia especially touched me as she copes with her past and is finding her sexuality as a women. So glad I read this book as I walk away with more knowledge and compassion for a topic I knew very little about.
January 25, 2022
That was a really good, really challenging book. And that epilogue, damn! If you want to learn about FGM and understand it in a more personal, rather than academic way, this is the book for that. I had to put it down a lot in order to absorb the information effectively. You should read this.
For the record, the style of book is not one that usually appeals to me - middle-aged woman discovering herself yadayada but in this context I think it's necessary. It makes it possible to enter into the story and the topics in ways that would otherwise be hard to breach. Really valuable.
For the record, the style of book is not one that usually appeals to me - middle-aged woman discovering herself yadayada but in this context I think it's necessary. It makes it possible to enter into the story and the topics in ways that would otherwise be hard to breach. Really valuable.
March 16, 2020
"... while the men might have made the rules, it is the women, women I've loved, who've enforced them."
When I read the synopsis of the book, I was a bit hesitant about reading the book as I felt it might be a very heavy read but as I made my way through Sharifa's life, I couldn't get myself to put the book down!
Sharifa is a school teacher in Manhattan who lives with her husband - Murtuza and her 7 year old daughter - Zeenat. While life for her is passing by fairly well she seems to be bored of her job and possibly even her marriage. The family decides to move to Mumbai for eight months where Murtuza has a teaching gig and Sharifa takes this opportunity to research about her great great-grandfather Abdoolally.
The story is a whirlwind after they reach Mumbai and one of Sharifa's cousins - Fatema starts talking to her about khatna - Female Genital Mutilation, i.e. removal of the prepuce tissue off the clitoris also called "haraam ki boti" - which is practiced in India, mostly by the Dawoodi Bohra community which Sharifa and her family are a part of.
The story takes a complex route from here as Sharifa goes on to learn about multiple family secrets and how she and her favorite cousins decide to fight against this practice. It depicts the struggle of the women of this community from generations. This book while talking about khatna with urgency flows smoothly to educate and spread awareness.
The book is quite predictable to me on various occasions but this predictability helps me to realize the sad and horrid truth of human behavior when it comes kinship and community. But on finding out the reason for naming the book Seven, it left me terrified!
Seven is an inspiring, igniting and borderline soul-crushing story about many Dawoodi Bohra women who have had to go through the horrid practice of khatna. It is a story of love for family, self discovery and sadly betrayal.
I will be honest in telling you that I was not aware of this practice until I read this book. As an Indian woman, I know of many ill practices against women in the country, I also know of multiple laws which have helped curb these practices but Khatna is one practice I was oblivious to. This is a terrific book for which I only have praises on how it has subtly addressed this issue.
I would highly recommend you all to read Seven. I feel more educated and informed as a reader and as a feminist. I rate this book 5 out of 5 bookmarks.
I am also addingthis linkfor you to gain more info on khatna and to learn about how you can play a part in khatna khatma!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Dundurn Publishers for providing me with a copy in lieu of an honest review. I'd also like to congratulate the author Farzana Doctor for taking up this initiative and writing such a sensitive yet soulful book!
I received an ARC ebook which I believe had some chapter's missing which talked about the story of Abdoolally - Sharifa's great great-grandfather or maybe they were intentionally removed from the ARC, hence this review is solely based on Sharifa's narrative.
When I read the synopsis of the book, I was a bit hesitant about reading the book as I felt it might be a very heavy read but as I made my way through Sharifa's life, I couldn't get myself to put the book down!
Sharifa is a school teacher in Manhattan who lives with her husband - Murtuza and her 7 year old daughter - Zeenat. While life for her is passing by fairly well she seems to be bored of her job and possibly even her marriage. The family decides to move to Mumbai for eight months where Murtuza has a teaching gig and Sharifa takes this opportunity to research about her great great-grandfather Abdoolally.
The story is a whirlwind after they reach Mumbai and one of Sharifa's cousins - Fatema starts talking to her about khatna - Female Genital Mutilation, i.e. removal of the prepuce tissue off the clitoris also called "haraam ki boti" - which is practiced in India, mostly by the Dawoodi Bohra community which Sharifa and her family are a part of.
The story takes a complex route from here as Sharifa goes on to learn about multiple family secrets and how she and her favorite cousins decide to fight against this practice. It depicts the struggle of the women of this community from generations. This book while talking about khatna with urgency flows smoothly to educate and spread awareness.
The book is quite predictable to me on various occasions but this predictability helps me to realize the sad and horrid truth of human behavior when it comes kinship and community. But on finding out the reason for naming the book Seven, it left me terrified!
Seven is an inspiring, igniting and borderline soul-crushing story about many Dawoodi Bohra women who have had to go through the horrid practice of khatna. It is a story of love for family, self discovery and sadly betrayal.
I will be honest in telling you that I was not aware of this practice until I read this book. As an Indian woman, I know of many ill practices against women in the country, I also know of multiple laws which have helped curb these practices but Khatna is one practice I was oblivious to. This is a terrific book for which I only have praises on how it has subtly addressed this issue.
I would highly recommend you all to read Seven. I feel more educated and informed as a reader and as a feminist. I rate this book 5 out of 5 bookmarks.
I am also addingthis linkfor you to gain more info on khatna and to learn about how you can play a part in khatna khatma!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Dundurn Publishers for providing me with a copy in lieu of an honest review. I'd also like to congratulate the author Farzana Doctor for taking up this initiative and writing such a sensitive yet soulful book!
I received an ARC ebook which I believe had some chapter's missing which talked about the story of Abdoolally - Sharifa's great great-grandfather or maybe they were intentionally removed from the ARC, hence this review is solely based on Sharifa's narrative.
March 15, 2020
Sharifa, a teacher by profession takes a hiatus from work and accompanies her husband, Murtuza, a professor, on a work trip of eight months to Mumbai, India along with their seven year old daughter.
They belong to the Dawoodi-Bohra community which is a lesser know sub-sect of the Shias.
While on her vacation Sharifa is intrigued by the life and times of her great-great-grandfather who was known Patriarch and she sets on about uncovering his past and rediscovering her own roots in the process.
The Bohras, as a fact practice the ritual of “Khatna� or female circumcision or as should aptly be known Female Genital Mutilation.
Sharifa while on her journey to study the past comes across unexpected demons in her present.
Though she is initially indifferent to the whole process when confronted by two of her cousins on the opposite ends of the spectrum she is forced to make a decision.
This is the first book I’ve read about the tight knit Bohra community and it was very interesting and enlightening to say the least.
Growing up I did have a few Bohri acquaintances but zero idea of what went on in their lives.
I enjoyed reading this book and the author’s writing.
Though the plot is a very sensitive one and I’m quite sure she will face community backlash for it, her writing has a sort of lightness to it.
The characters portrayed, the situations described are all the sort that will resonate with the reader for a while after the last page has been read.
Their are certain sexual descriptions but as the author herself states “Sexuality is a porthole into understanding khatna, and that’s why I wanted to explore Shari’s and Murti’s sex life.�
The book doesn’t feel lewd and again it’s the author’s talent.
Recommend reading.
It will be out in August 2020.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
P.S. I suppose the present story moves parallel with the past but my copy was missing the past chapters, unless that was intentional.
They belong to the Dawoodi-Bohra community which is a lesser know sub-sect of the Shias.
While on her vacation Sharifa is intrigued by the life and times of her great-great-grandfather who was known Patriarch and she sets on about uncovering his past and rediscovering her own roots in the process.
The Bohras, as a fact practice the ritual of “Khatna� or female circumcision or as should aptly be known Female Genital Mutilation.
Sharifa while on her journey to study the past comes across unexpected demons in her present.
Though she is initially indifferent to the whole process when confronted by two of her cousins on the opposite ends of the spectrum she is forced to make a decision.
This is the first book I’ve read about the tight knit Bohra community and it was very interesting and enlightening to say the least.
Growing up I did have a few Bohri acquaintances but zero idea of what went on in their lives.
I enjoyed reading this book and the author’s writing.
Though the plot is a very sensitive one and I’m quite sure she will face community backlash for it, her writing has a sort of lightness to it.
The characters portrayed, the situations described are all the sort that will resonate with the reader for a while after the last page has been read.
Their are certain sexual descriptions but as the author herself states “Sexuality is a porthole into understanding khatna, and that’s why I wanted to explore Shari’s and Murti’s sex life.�
The book doesn’t feel lewd and again it’s the author’s talent.
Recommend reading.
It will be out in August 2020.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
P.S. I suppose the present story moves parallel with the past but my copy was missing the past chapters, unless that was intentional.
September 6, 2020
Just finished reading SEVEN by Farzana Doctor, a new to me Canadian author. Official publication date was yesterday September 5th, 2020.
Sharifa and her seven year old daughter Zee are joining her husband Murtuza on a work trip to India. Sharifa plans to research her great-great-grandfather Abdoolally, a wealthy and generous business man while she is there. But what actually captures her attention is not his story, but rather the story of his four wives.
Sharifa's trip also happens during a time of unrest within her conservative Bohra religious community, and there is no escaping the politics. A group of feminists are speaking out against khatna, an age-old ritual of female genital cutting (FGM). Sharifa’s two favourite cousins are on opposite sides of the debate, and while she trys to seek a middle ground she discovers an unexpected truth and is forced to pick a side.
I kept coming back to this line in the book:
"I think about how I once tut-tutted through the articles about FGM that came my way, assuming the stories were exceptional, not the norm. Not in our community, not in our family. Not me. I ignored what I wasn't able to see, the delusions keeping me safe but also stuck."
Ignorance was the quiet killer in Sharifa’s story. I couldn't put this book down, I felt like I was part of Sharifa’s quest for answers and enlightenment. While I wasn't familiar with FGM before reading this book, I think that this topic was brilliantly explained by the author. Shout-out to Murtuza for always sticking by her side no matter how tough things got 😘.
An important read with difficult subject matter, a story about love, family, self discovery and betrayal.
Sharifa and her seven year old daughter Zee are joining her husband Murtuza on a work trip to India. Sharifa plans to research her great-great-grandfather Abdoolally, a wealthy and generous business man while she is there. But what actually captures her attention is not his story, but rather the story of his four wives.
Sharifa's trip also happens during a time of unrest within her conservative Bohra religious community, and there is no escaping the politics. A group of feminists are speaking out against khatna, an age-old ritual of female genital cutting (FGM). Sharifa’s two favourite cousins are on opposite sides of the debate, and while she trys to seek a middle ground she discovers an unexpected truth and is forced to pick a side.
I kept coming back to this line in the book:
"I think about how I once tut-tutted through the articles about FGM that came my way, assuming the stories were exceptional, not the norm. Not in our community, not in our family. Not me. I ignored what I wasn't able to see, the delusions keeping me safe but also stuck."
Ignorance was the quiet killer in Sharifa’s story. I couldn't put this book down, I felt like I was part of Sharifa’s quest for answers and enlightenment. While I wasn't familiar with FGM before reading this book, I think that this topic was brilliantly explained by the author. Shout-out to Murtuza for always sticking by her side no matter how tough things got 😘.
An important read with difficult subject matter, a story about love, family, self discovery and betrayal.
November 18, 2020
Seven by Farzana Doctor explores the emotional truths behind the practice of female genital mutilation while compassionately teasing out the complexities of kinship, feminism and marriage. It is a brilliant read that urges readers to move past the headlines and into the mind of one woman as she reconnects with her body, her past.
November 6, 2020
This was a page turner! I started reading and could not sleep - As with all really good books, I rushed to the end and now I am sad it is over.
I found myself very involved with, because I identified a lot with the main character of the book. Specifically, I found her struggle for balance, comprehension, peace and doing the right thing in untenable circumstances to be completely believable. This need for balance struck a personal cord with me.
I also identified with her quest to find the story of her family's past, being interested in genealogy myself. I was very keen to find out and this story was not disappointing!
I have read quite a bit on the topic of FGM, but it was interesting too read about this in a non-fiction environment and this is certainly a fresh topic.
It was also interesting too me because I really do not know anything about the culture, so I found the relationships and happenings fascinating.
The only criticism I have, is that I would have liked to have less information on what is inevitably disclosed in the last chapter queued in earlier chapters. I wish that I had not seen the end coming.
I found myself very involved with, because I identified a lot with the main character of the book. Specifically, I found her struggle for balance, comprehension, peace and doing the right thing in untenable circumstances to be completely believable. This need for balance struck a personal cord with me.
I also identified with her quest to find the story of her family's past, being interested in genealogy myself. I was very keen to find out and this story was not disappointing!
I have read quite a bit on the topic of FGM, but it was interesting too read about this in a non-fiction environment and this is certainly a fresh topic.
It was also interesting too me because I really do not know anything about the culture, so I found the relationships and happenings fascinating.
The only criticism I have, is that I would have liked to have less information on what is inevitably disclosed in the last chapter queued in earlier chapters. I wish that I had not seen the end coming.
November 29, 2020
Though I was engrossed in this book, I found it rather clunky. Sharifa's research project about her ancestor Abdoollaly was so arbitrary - she just needed something to do while she was in India for 8 months. Her research stood apart from the rest of the book until the very end and didn't contribute much to the overall plot. Regarding the main plot about khatna, or female genital cutting, the "big secret" that was revealed partway through the book was very easy to guess early on, although I was in suspense about what would happen after it was revealed. I wish the book had included more of the science of khatna, like what specifically is done and how often it causes permanent physical damage or what the damage is. It seems like the most common damage is emotional trauma.
Sidenote/spoiler:
Sidenote/spoiler:
November 8, 2020
Wow! And this is why I so love Farzana Doctor. As with her prior novels, she writes beautifully, creating complex and conflicted characters who struggle to be true to themselves while challenging social taboos and deeply held beliefs which are engrained within their communities� whether they intend to or because it is the only way they can be true to themselves.
I’ve been teaching about FGM for almost 30 years, and I have to say that this is the first time I can recall coming across it being tackled through fiction. Yes. Yes. Yes. And Farzana has the skills necessary to bring the subject to life, exploring the nuances, and the strength that it takes, on the part of women, to challenge the status quo.
So appropriate that I finish reading this title on the same day that the first Black/SouthAsian woman is declared Vice-President elect in the USA. Empowering.
I’ve been teaching about FGM for almost 30 years, and I have to say that this is the first time I can recall coming across it being tackled through fiction. Yes. Yes. Yes. And Farzana has the skills necessary to bring the subject to life, exploring the nuances, and the strength that it takes, on the part of women, to challenge the status quo.
So appropriate that I finish reading this title on the same day that the first Black/SouthAsian woman is declared Vice-President elect in the USA. Empowering.
August 28, 2020
*Spoilers ahead*
I picked up this book to prepare a bit for our local online literary festival expected this fall. I didn't quite know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. The tale focuses on Sharifa, her family (both nuclear and extended), and friends as they negotiate the terrain of khatna (female genital cutting) as it was/is practiced in India.
Doctor uses a thoughtful feminist gaze with engaging characters and we're given the full spectrum of of how women respond to this practice. I loved reading about the women warriors fighting against the practice and felt a bit heartbroken reading about why some choose to uphold it.
I would love to have read more about Sharifa's ancestor Abdoolally--in particular wife Zehra.
I picked up this book to prepare a bit for our local online literary festival expected this fall. I didn't quite know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. The tale focuses on Sharifa, her family (both nuclear and extended), and friends as they negotiate the terrain of khatna (female genital cutting) as it was/is practiced in India.
Doctor uses a thoughtful feminist gaze with engaging characters and we're given the full spectrum of of how women respond to this practice. I loved reading about the women warriors fighting against the practice and felt a bit heartbroken reading about why some choose to uphold it.
I would love to have read more about Sharifa's ancestor Abdoolally--in particular wife Zehra.
November 14, 2020
This is Farzana's fourth book, and I have read and loved them all! This is the story of a woman who starts out on a genealogical history research project while in India for eight months, and she finds out much more about herself and her family and her community than she ever bargained for. I knew before reading it that it was about FGM (female genital mutilation), but in Farzana Doctor's skilful hands this is a complex story about so much more.
November 18, 2020
Activist fiction that is nuanced, intimate and always believable in the psychology of its characters. Seven is an insightful lens on trauma and the shifting relationships between generations: all the ways communities and families can love us, sustain us, and make us feel a part of something bigger, but also the singular betrayal of being hurt by those you trust most. Would absolutely recommend this book!
January 17, 2021
The subject matter was interesting but the amount of foreshadowing the author used was nauseating. I am shocked it has such a high rating as I found it hard to get into and way too predictable.
December 19, 2020
The story follows Sharifa, her husband Murtuza and their seven-year-old daughter Zeenat. Sharifa and her husband are both educators, she’s also American-born, and they are members of the Dawoodi-Bohra community, a sect that I had never heard of, but is related to the Shia. More conservative and traditional, the opportunity while Murtuza is teaching in Mumbai gives Sharifa the opportunity to research her great grandfather, while connecting with her extended family and reconnecting with her husband.
While in India, Sharifa is confronted with many questions, and fewer answers that satisfy, about her great grandfather, and has her own exposure to the practice of khatna or female genital mutilation. This practice is prevalent in her own family tree, and the questions, horrors, and the disconnect between her westernized values of women, feminism and self-determination are brought into the mix as the author seeks to give us the story from those tied to traditions and those seeing these horrors for what they are. Many others have written about the conflicts and conundrums posed, but I found the novel so much more powerful for the writing.
Providing a history of both her family and their traditional practices, along with two sides to the argument for and against khatna (and yes, she handles this masterfully and thoughtfully) provide readers with a fuller understanding beyond the knee-jerk “OMG� that is sitting in your head as you read on. Additionally, these conflicts between tradition (and the familiarity and acceptance gained with the adherence to those principles to not ‘make waves�) brings Sharifa into several of her own questions and worries, and for this, we have her husband who is very supportive, perhaps a bit too much for what is expected of a traditional leaning man. As I have zero experience with the practices, but can easily imagine (and empathize with) Sharifa’s questions, upsets, and reactions, the story allows readers to see perspectives not necessarily available in non-fiction, nor ones that cross / confront the family and their separation / conflict about the traditions. A wonderful read that isn’t for everyone –but is handled so beautifully and gently that Doctor brings us all into a little-known religious group and family and see where modern and traditional conflict and coexist, not easily but with a sense of ‘continuity� that leaves everyone with a better understanding.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
July 6, 2021
Nominee for OLA’s Evergreen Award
I was really looking forward to my first Evergreen book that wasn't a memoir.
Unfortunately, Seven felt like a bait-and-switch. I was promised this story about this woman who was going to be researching her great-grandfather's past wives, learning all of these interesting things about their lives, and take some historical wisdom and apply it to her current day. I was really excited to learn about past and present India and this culture and enjoy a story that wasn't about someone's real life. Unfortunately, that's not the subject of the book and it left me completely mentally unprepared for the topics discussed.
Seven is actually about khatna, the practice of damaging a clitoris/removing the clitoral hood at the age of seven so that a woman will not cheat on her husband. The reason behind this is complete and utter bullshit and this is actually female genital mutilation (FGM) on an un-consenting child. The practice is most often discussed in the context of Africa (and in White Pine nominee ), but is also practiced by the Bohra Muslims of India.
I picked up Seven expecting an interesting historical read and was not in the right headspace to be reading about FGM. This is where the bait-and-switch is super harmful, I could have gotten a lot more out of Seven if I had been adequately prepared for the topic. Seven instead goes into intense, intimate detail about khatna and I was not prepared.
However, the author seems to think that she can continue to sneak khatna plot points past the reader and that the reader is as stupid as the main character to not notice. The foreshadowing isn't done subtly, it's done with bright flashing neon signs. Every single plot point, without fail, all wrapped up into a story about the harms of khatna. It was such a predictable book, where I could see what was coming for 100 pages. It also just didn't feel real with every single plot point being wrapped into a bow.
I also learned nothing about the Bohra Muslim community throughout the book. I tried: I googled terms, I looked up the religion, the region, and the ethnicity on Wikipedia. Authors, when writing about their own heritage, aren't required to describe things which would make perfect sense to them, much like I would never be required to describe what a t-shirt is like. I could not find anything about the community on google. It became a significant barrier to my understanding of the novel because I could not immerse myself in the world. The only thing I can do is point out where it is on a map.
I was really looking forward to my first Evergreen book that wasn't a memoir.
Unfortunately, Seven felt like a bait-and-switch. I was promised this story about this woman who was going to be researching her great-grandfather's past wives, learning all of these interesting things about their lives, and take some historical wisdom and apply it to her current day. I was really excited to learn about past and present India and this culture and enjoy a story that wasn't about someone's real life. Unfortunately, that's not the subject of the book and it left me completely mentally unprepared for the topics discussed.
Seven is actually about khatna, the practice of damaging a clitoris/removing the clitoral hood at the age of seven so that a woman will not cheat on her husband. The reason behind this is complete and utter bullshit and this is actually female genital mutilation (FGM) on an un-consenting child. The practice is most often discussed in the context of Africa (and in White Pine nominee ), but is also practiced by the Bohra Muslims of India.
I picked up Seven expecting an interesting historical read and was not in the right headspace to be reading about FGM. This is where the bait-and-switch is super harmful, I could have gotten a lot more out of Seven if I had been adequately prepared for the topic. Seven instead goes into intense, intimate detail about khatna and I was not prepared.
However, the author seems to think that she can continue to sneak khatna plot points past the reader and that the reader is as stupid as the main character to not notice. The foreshadowing isn't done subtly, it's done with bright flashing neon signs. Every single plot point, without fail, all wrapped up into a story about the harms of khatna. It was such a predictable book, where I could see what was coming for 100 pages. It also just didn't feel real with every single plot point being wrapped into a bow.
I also learned nothing about the Bohra Muslim community throughout the book. I tried: I googled terms, I looked up the religion, the region, and the ethnicity on Wikipedia. Authors, when writing about their own heritage, aren't required to describe things which would make perfect sense to them, much like I would never be required to describe what a t-shirt is like. I could not find anything about the community on google. It became a significant barrier to my understanding of the novel because I could not immerse myself in the world. The only thing I can do is point out where it is on a map.
March 15, 2023
3/3.5 stars for Doctor's "Seven"
The concepts of this book are highly political with feminism in its roots and multicultural ties with India and American / Western world. I had the privilege of listening to the author speak about her work in a lecture and the context did help me better appreciate this novel. The core of it is about FGM and the main characters experiences with her/their culture, religion, and identity with this practise and custom. she travels back to India with her family to uncover family secrets and history, but this is interrupted by her personal discoveries about herself and her closet family members there. I found the background/ original plot less important and intriguing by the later half of the book.
I also read reviews here about the sex component, and yes it is a main focus, but a necessary one. Since FGM is basically to rebel against female pleasure, Shari's personal sex life with her husband become a target for the effects of that procedure. I found that the sections that went back in time to her great grandfather's story were irrelevant by the end. the epilogue proves that. But it was a necessary plot point to get Shari to India, so I see the intent behind it.
Overall, a solid plot but mediocre writing perhaps. I wanted more poetic turns and prose with deeper phrases that leave you hanging emotionally, especially since the topic is not a light one. Often, sentences were bland, basic, with cliché dialogue.
"Seven" is a significant read for lovers of feminist novels, women's agency and bodies, and historical literature.
The concepts of this book are highly political with feminism in its roots and multicultural ties with India and American / Western world. I had the privilege of listening to the author speak about her work in a lecture and the context did help me better appreciate this novel. The core of it is about FGM and the main characters experiences with her/their culture, religion, and identity with this practise and custom. she travels back to India with her family to uncover family secrets and history, but this is interrupted by her personal discoveries about herself and her closet family members there. I found the background/ original plot less important and intriguing by the later half of the book.
I also read reviews here about the sex component, and yes it is a main focus, but a necessary one. Since FGM is basically to rebel against female pleasure, Shari's personal sex life with her husband become a target for the effects of that procedure. I found that the sections that went back in time to her great grandfather's story were irrelevant by the end. the epilogue proves that. But it was a necessary plot point to get Shari to India, so I see the intent behind it.
Overall, a solid plot but mediocre writing perhaps. I wanted more poetic turns and prose with deeper phrases that leave you hanging emotionally, especially since the topic is not a light one. Often, sentences were bland, basic, with cliché dialogue.
"Seven" is a significant read for lovers of feminist novels, women's agency and bodies, and historical literature.
Read
June 12, 2021An important story that needed to be told and needs to be read, but didn’t always work for me because of certain stylistic choices. I never like first-person present-tense narration; I just can’t get the necessary willing suspension of disbelief to enjoy it. Dialogue tags in first-person present narration always remind me of “intentioning� in theatre rehearsals (which I’ve never enjoyed either). And the conclusion is set in the near future � another device which I often feel doesn’t work when it’s employed in an otherwise realistic novel. All those quibbles aside, I would still argue that the novel is worth reading because the central issue of female genital mutilation needs to be confronted and considered. Also, though full of intimate familial betrayals, the novel is foundationally hopeful.
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