"WHY WERE WOMEN ENSLAVED?" - BOOK REVIEW Ft. Kanmani

 7 Undeniable Reasons to Pick This Book as a Feminist. 

We see people talk about feminism everywhere (at least in social media these days), many on women empowerment and the need to stand for women's liberation. But then, you get to read this at the back of a book cover:

 “Will rats ever be freed by the efforts of cats? Will the non-brahmins get equality through the goodwill and efforts of the Brahmins? Even if these impossibilities become realities, Women will not get freedom by the efforts of the goodwill of men.”

 This is a direct hit on men who try and put effort to liberate women. Let me enumerate why this book is a must-read for every rational, intelligent human in Indian Society.

 1. Author himself!

 Being called an extremist, Thanthai Periyar, had vehemently opposed the then-socially accepted practices followed and believed by the mass population. His ideas and efforts have paved the way for women to take up responsibility for their own lives. 

2. Title: 

“Why were women enslaved?” Living in this modernized world, when I read the title, “Why were women enslaved?” The question rippled in my mind. Are women still slaves? Are we not out of it yet? Many other questions popped up and it instantly grabbed my curiosity to know what’s on the inside. 

3. Feel of the book

 Handy, paperback book with Periyar's full-length photo on the outer cover. With a good flow of content through relatable real-life scenarios. Author’s view on women’s plight in our country and this piece of writing from his times (1920’s- 30’s) would enlighten even contemporary humans, living today! 

4. Sequence of the content 

The order in which the chapters are sequenced in itself is highly commendable. It unties the knots of confusions or queries arising then and there, as you read through. The ties are neatly removed by the end of each chapter. If there’s something unclear, then, the book naturally takes you to read the next couple of pages. 

5. What’s in store?

 The book has awesome content that would interest every reader who aligns with the ideology. From: smashing the universally accepted text for world order & major religions dominant inhuman practice suppressing women; over-fantasizing “love” Vs Reality & truth about love; social institution of marriage; Words like ‘Chasity’ and ‘prostitution’ with respect to women; Overlook on Divorce, Remarriage, Widowhood; To Birth control and overthrowing masculinity. The book has it all. Many better-not-touch topics on womenfolk’s perspectives were beautifully written. 

6. The after-effect 

Once you complete the book by understanding it in its actual sense, there is scope for the mind to open up wide. There is a lot more stuff around, that you may witness in this so-called “civilized society” and that we really need to work on! 

7. Tell them asap!

 The last and the best thing you may end up doing after reading this book is, you would probably recommend this book to people who share similar interests as you. Now that’s going to be a chain! Read and share, read and share!

 That’s all about it!

 I'm pretty sure that this book would enlighten you and make you ponder upon stuff that helps us in marching towards an awesome, brilliant future for this entire human race! Keep reading.

 Until my next review, Cheers!

~ Kanmani