The pursuit of wholeness has often been entwined with the harmonious integration of mind, body, and heart. This connection, often deemed essential for complete selfhood, has been used by society to label “spinsters” as incomplete individuals. But, can literature offer a deeper exploration of wholeness, challenging the notion of a singular, definitive “complete self” and embracing the ambiguity of human existence in and of itself? Typically depicted as shrouded in mystery, the spinster figure has been a recurring muse for writers throughout history. However, many of these one-dimensional portrayals often erased the complexity and independent agency of unmarried women. The spinster’s story usually begins and ends with her singleness, rather than the richness of her selfhood and being. Yet, in Reem Bassiouney’s novel, Professor Hanaa (2008), Bassiouney rewrites the spinster figure through a deeper exploration of the human experience, revealing that self-fulfillment thrives on individual journeys rather than societal expectations. In the realm of Arabic literature, where characters often serve as symbols of a particular region, culture or religion, Bassiouney’s writing stands out as a breath of fresh air. Her women are far from mere symbols of a specific Egyptian…
The post Unheard Experiences of Egyptian Single Women: Review of Reem Bassiouney’s Novel ‘Professor Hanaa’ first appeared on Egyptian Streets.
Source: egyptianstreets
