The Red Tent

I don't read much literature with female protagonists where being female is central to the character. This is one of those books, and it was fascinating, even if I never really felt like I “got it.” For example, the protagonist's menstrual cycle is a big plot point. It's weird to think about how rare that is, versus JUST HOW MANY MENSTRUAL CYCLES are happening EVERY DAY.

Anyway.

Despite the interesting theme, this book wasn't for me. The protagonist doesn't do much protagonizing; it seems like things — both problems and their solutions — just happen to her. For example, nothing happens in the book for 20 years (unfortunately this is not hyperbole), and then she loses her house. And then her friend gives her a new place to live. And that's the end of that.

There is some stuff about the protaganist's love life as a middle-age woman, and I really liked that bit. Maybe it's because I'm getting uncomfortably close to middle-age. But it's a great, stark contrast to her earlier love affair which comes off unbelievable and stupid. All the stuff with the mastercraftsmen was great, maybe again, because that's a character I know how to relate to.

Biggest takeaway: if a man's price for marrying his daughter is not only that you need to cut the tip off of your penis, but also that EVERY MAN IN YOUR KINGDOM MUST ALSO CUT THE TIP OFF OF HIS PENIS, that price is too high and you would do well to meet someone else.