Men, Women, and Gods

This work explores the life and writings of Nawal El Saadawi, a prominent Arab feminist. It contextualizes her narratives on sexual violence and patriarchy within Islamic and Arabic traditions.

Men, Women, and God(s) is an insightful examination of Nawal El Saadawi, a prominent feminist writer from the Arab world. Known for her impactful works such as Woman at Point Zero and The Innocence of the Devil, El Saadawi has gained recognition both in the West and within the Arab community. Her narratives often feature strong female protagonists and tackle challenging subjects like sexual violence, female circumcision, and theological issues, reflecting her bold approach to feminism and her critique of patriarchal structures. These themes have made her a target for repressive forces in the Middle East, leading to her imprisonment in Egypt under President Sadat and placing her on the death lists of conservative Islamic factions.

In this book, author Fedwa Malti-Douglas aims to make El Saadawi's work more accessible by situating it within its broader Islamic and Arabic contexts. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of both classical and modern Arabic literature, as well as her conversations with El Saadawi, Malti-Douglas provides a comprehensive analysis that reveals the cultural and historical influences shaping the writer's perspectives. This contextualization is essential for understanding El Saadawi's contributions to literature and feminist discourse.

Through her passionate and thorough examination, Malti-Douglas highlights the significance of El Saadawi as one of the most influential and controversial figures in contemporary literature. Men, Women, and God(s) serves not only as a critical study of El Saadawi's prolific body of work but also as a testament to the enduring relevance of her ideas in discussions about gender and power in the modern world.