What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape

Starred review from September 3, 2018
Abdulali (The Year of the Tiger) brings precision, clarity, and style to her exploration of a topic often treated as more confusing than it is. A former coordinator of a rape crisis center, she uses her own brutal rape as a touchstone and springboard for this series of extended reflections on the discourse surrounding rape, with stories from Australia, Egypt, India, Italy, South Africa, and the U.S. Drawing on interviews, personal emails, government reports, and other documents, Abdulali discusses varied scenarios, from date rate, marital rape, and incest to gang rape and war crimes, acknowledging the high rates of rape perpetrated against trans people and sex workers. She approaches debates about consent, responsibility, motive, honor, and prevention with deep compassion, humor, a healthy dose of irony, and anger. Though Abdulali doesn’t claim to have answers, the book’s assertions are clear: victims deserve belief, support, and a fair hearing; rapists, not their targets, are responsible for rape; and survivors can go on to live full and joyful lives. Her clear-eyed assessments, grace, and literary touches will make this book valuable reading for sociologists, therapists, feminists, and anyone who believes women should be able to move through the world free from fear.

Decades after becoming an icon for speaking openly of her own rape in THE YEAR OF THE TIGER, Sohaila Abdulali sheds further light on the pain, challenges, and nuances of navigating a world in which rape is still prevalent. Her narration enhances the listening experience as both her emotional emphasis and straightforward delivery provide intensity to her words. In the more positive moments of discussing community, growth, and recovery, Abdulali infuses her voice with joy and warmth. These passages contrast starkly with her often matter-of-fact projection when discussing rape and rapists. Knowing that the words and the voice in this audiobook come directly from someone who has survived rape makes for powerful listening. L.E. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine