Both Right and Left Handed: Arab Women Talk about Their Lives

by Bouthaina Shaaban

Overview

Syrian feminist activist Bouthaina Shaaban revisits Both Right and Left Handed, her widely admired book based on interviews with Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, and Algerian women (IUP, 1991). Arab women from varied social and economic backgrounds express a wide range of opinions on the traditions and institutions that shape their lives. Themes include the impact of war and the emancipating role of women as freedom fighters, the misinterpretation of Islamic laws and social values that underlies male-dominated institutions in Arab countries, the sacrifices of Arab women to keep the family unit together, and such previously taboo issues as lesbian relationships and premarital sex. In her new introduction, Shaaban recounts the significant progress that Arab women have made in pursuing opportunities for education and professional and political advancement during the last 20 years. Equally passionate is Shaaban's personal account of her journey from childhood in an obscure Syrian village to representing her country as a top-ranking political figure while continuing to fight for female equality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253220912
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Publication date:	03/19/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Bouthaina Shaaban is a professor of English literature at Damascus University and Political and Media Advisor to President Bashar al-Assad of Syria. Ziad Hamzeh's 2008 film, Woman, based on Shaaban's life and work, was awarded the Golden Palm for best film at the 2008 Beverly Hills Film Festival. Shaaban lives in Damascus, Syria.

Table of Contents

Contents
Preface to the 2009 Edition: An Arab Woman Asking How

Introduction: An Arab Woman Saying No
1. Syria: Guaranteed Rights for All, Except at Home
2. Lebanon: Women Embattled
3. Palestine: Women's Way of Surviving
4. Algeria: Sharing the Struggle
5. And Now What?

Glossary

Editorial Reviews

"This new version of Syrian feminist Bouthaina Shaaban's book tells the revealing stories of Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese, and Algerian women. This volume explores issues of Islamic law and social expectations of women, women freedom fighters, male-dominated institutions, and even premarital sex and lesbian relationships in Arab societies. Shaaban offers a new preface which describes the progress Arab women have made in their societies in the 20 years since the book was first published, and also chronicles her journey from childhood in a small village in Syria to serving as a top ranking official while continuing her feminist activism."—Jarron Bowman, MIDDLE EAST JOURNAL, Spring 2010

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

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

From the Publisher

A brave and moving book.

Ms. magazine

An intriguing voyage into the otherwise hidden lives of Arab women.

Washington Post Book World

This new version of Syrian feminist Bouthaina Shaaban's book tells the revealing stories of Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese, and Algerian women. This volume explores issues of Islamic law and social expectations of women, women freedom fighters, male-dominated institutions, and even premarital sex and lesbian relationships in Arab societies. Shaaban offers a new preface which describes the progress Arab women have made in their societies in the 20 years since the book was first published, and also chronicles her journey from childhood in a small village in Syria to serving as a top ranking official while continuing her feminist activism.

MIDDLE EAST JOURNAL - Jarron Bowman

This new version of Syrian feminist Bouthaina Shaaban’s book tells the revealing stories of Syrian, Palestinian, Lebanese, and Algerian women. This volume explores issues of Islamic law and social expectations of women, women freedom fighters, male-dominated institutions, and even premarital sex and lesbian relationships in Arab societies. Shaaban offers a new preface which describes the progress Arab women have made in their societies in the 20 years since the book was first published, and also chronicles her journey from childhood in a small village in Syria to serving as a top ranking official while continuing her feminist activism.Jarron Bowman, MIDDLE EAST JOURNAL, Spring 2010

— Jarron Bowman

Middle East Journal

Destroying every stereotype of the passive compliant Arab woman, Shaaban (English literature, Damascus U.) brings to Western readers the voices of brilliant, angry, and spirited women--including peasants, poets, feminist activists, mothers of martyrs, professors, and nomad matriarchs. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews