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Ruptured
A year and a half after bringing her attacker to justice, rape victim Farid is trying to move on with her life. But now she faces a new set of challenges as she faces a society that instead of embracing her as a victim, tears her apart with its looks and whispers, a society that judges her blind
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First published January 1, 2011
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About the author
Tarek Refaat
10 books123 followersإسمي طارق رفعت ، كاتب و روائي مصري من مواليد 1980 ، و لي مؤلفات باللغة العربية و الإنجليزية بداية من 2011 ،
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 2, 2017
3.5 stars is my rating for this novel.
It was a lot of fun, the process of reading this book, it evokes a really important taboo that is really underestimated in our societies but that exists very widely : RAPE!
It's not rape in itself that's discussed in this novel, but rather the state of the victim afterwards, especially in an Arabic environment that considers the victim as a teaser who brought that to herself, which is really unfair. Here the protagonist, Farida, faces her fears, and struggles to get herself back together and rebuild her life, but that is not an easy process. There's also a love story included, that is absolutely not an ordinary one, this love refers effectively to the possibility to open up again and the ability to love again, and live normally.
Overall, this is a light read, that was really enjoyable. A huge thanks to Mr.Tarek Refaat for having sent this beautiful piece of work to me.
It was a lot of fun, the process of reading this book, it evokes a really important taboo that is really underestimated in our societies but that exists very widely : RAPE!
It's not rape in itself that's discussed in this novel, but rather the state of the victim afterwards, especially in an Arabic environment that considers the victim as a teaser who brought that to herself, which is really unfair. Here the protagonist, Farida, faces her fears, and struggles to get herself back together and rebuild her life, but that is not an easy process. There's also a love story included, that is absolutely not an ordinary one, this love refers effectively to the possibility to open up again and the ability to love again, and live normally.
Overall, this is a light read, that was really enjoyable. A huge thanks to Mr.Tarek Refaat for having sent this beautiful piece of work to me.
October 29, 2011
The subject of rape is always a difficult topic to speak out upon. It's something people prefer to shove into the back of a drawer, intent on forgetting that such a thing ever happened. This mentality extends to every reach of the world, not just in Egypt and the outlying reaches of the Middle-East. While this subject is often-times taboo, it's imperative that those who've gone through such an ordeal to take the time to address it. To tackle the issue head-on in hopes of being able to put it behind them.
Tarek Refaat tackles this issue beautifully, in a way that leaves the reader with a greater understanding of what's like to experience rape through the eyes of the book's heroine. We are able to feel her pain and her frustrations as the society around her begins to treat her as if she's nothing but a bug to be crushed underneath their feet. A society that fails to understand that she's a victim of an unfortunate circumstance.
What they fail to understand is that Farida is a not what they think she is. She's a victim who's having quite a hard time dealing with what has happened to her. Her mind refuses to accept and overcome the rape. She feels that her soul is torn and that it'll never heal completely. More so, she feels lost. As if she'll never escape the injustice that has been committed against her.
As the story progresses, we're able to see Farida gain strength in her convictions as she does her best to move on. When her co-workers and her friend, Sara, show her that she doesn't have to deal with everything alone, she finds it within herself to finally accept the world around her. Most of all, she realizes that friends truly do make it worth living for and that it's possible to love again.
Ruptured is truly a remarkable story. One I recommend others read. It's a story that is very heartfelt and quite moving. I think quite a lot can relate with she's gone though.
Tarek Refaat tackles this issue beautifully, in a way that leaves the reader with a greater understanding of what's like to experience rape through the eyes of the book's heroine. We are able to feel her pain and her frustrations as the society around her begins to treat her as if she's nothing but a bug to be crushed underneath their feet. A society that fails to understand that she's a victim of an unfortunate circumstance.
What they fail to understand is that Farida is a not what they think she is. She's a victim who's having quite a hard time dealing with what has happened to her. Her mind refuses to accept and overcome the rape. She feels that her soul is torn and that it'll never heal completely. More so, she feels lost. As if she'll never escape the injustice that has been committed against her.
As the story progresses, we're able to see Farida gain strength in her convictions as she does her best to move on. When her co-workers and her friend, Sara, show her that she doesn't have to deal with everything alone, she finds it within herself to finally accept the world around her. Most of all, she realizes that friends truly do make it worth living for and that it's possible to love again.
Ruptured is truly a remarkable story. One I recommend others read. It's a story that is very heartfelt and quite moving. I think quite a lot can relate with she's gone though.
June 8, 2011
I've read a lot of books over the years, but this is one book that has impacted my life. I was hesitant to read Ruptured at first and here is why. The book is about a rape victim named Farida, who faces a society that looks down on her. I normally read books about how blue the sky is, lol. After reading this book I was tosed back into reality and how evil the world can be. The author did a tasteful job of writing this heartfelt book. I wasn't aware of how different cultures treat victims of rape. Farida is a strong woman trying to get her life back together. She is able to stand strong against everyone's piercing looks. I feel that this book can change anyone's opinon about the way they see life.
April 28, 2021
A novel tackling a controversial issue in Arab countries (rape) in an elegant and classy way. The author takes us through the journey of Farida who has been raped a year and half ago and is trying to hold her pieces together and get back to her previous life all by herself not only facing her fears and insecurities but a whole society that incriminates the victims of rape and look down at them. In her struggle she succeeds to a certain extent to heal and through this she finds Romance, faces envy of her colleagues and at the end regains her faith in all the good things in life.
The story is a page turner and the characters are well written and convincing. I recommend it as an easy, straightforward yet interesting read.
November 2, 2011
Ruptured tells the challenging story of a woman coming to terms with her life after being raped. While Egyptian author Refaat talks of the differences in that society in his forward, the novel truly shows how universal such a story can be. The stages (I can only imagine) a woman must go through defies languages barriers or country borders. This male author has captured real emotion in the pages of his debut novel and one that should be read by men and women in cultures across the world. Stories like these (that show the human spirit) always make me see just how small the world really is.
December 20, 2017
I came across the book when its author Tarek sent it to me to read. I finished it in a day but decided to write the review the next day.. I started reading the book and was immediately sucked into it and couldn't leave except when it is done and read. I started it with tears in my eyes but it didn't slip yet and ended it with a smile. I identified with the heroine and I understand very well her struggle but lucky her she got her happy ending which never happens in real life except rarely.. However I pitied her because yes she got her happy ever after but does she really know the man she will marry. Because I think if she did she might not want to tie the knots. Anyways the main two characters development made sense.. I personally wanted more about the other characters especially the evil ones. I needed to know their background and own perspective on life as well as the other characters but since this is a novella so I understand why that wasn't there. The writing technique for sure is of great eloquence and elegance and the background of the characters shows the vast knowledge of the author and his diversity.. The attitude towards women and society communicated through the two main characters says a lot about the author and his well cultured background if we stick to the criticism theories that believe that the work of art is a representation of its author and his/her beliefs even at an unconscious level. Finally an amazing book to read.
July 2, 2011
'Ruptured,' a novel by Egyptian author Tarek Hassan Refaat, isn't always an easy one to read. It tells about the emotional aftermath of a sexual assault. Its main character, Farida, is a strong-willed survivor, so she is able to triumph even in the face of a society that looks down on her for something that wasn't her fault.
Refaat writes in his introduction, "In a Middle Eastern society, a woman who has suffered such a horrible experience as rape is condemned in the eyes and words of the community.
"People never cease talking about her, or wondering if she was the cause of the incident and, even if not, they regard her as ‘used goods’ or an ‘expired product’ who should be satisfied with whatever comes her way, even if this means getting married to someone who doesn’t suit her or care about her. The pressure the victim undergoes is tremendous. In this novel, I attempt to take you on a journey of pain, struggle, and hope."
This attitude, unfortunately, is not confined to the Middle East. Until girls all around the world are educated equally along with their brothers, their thoughts and contributions to society are valued and males are taught from an early age to respect women, sexual assault survivors all over the world will still be able to identify with Farida's struggle, the dark times in her life, and her post-traumatic stress syndrome. It's yet another reminder that the fight for equal rights for women - even the basic human right not to undergo rape and other forms of torture - is one we must continue to fight.
Making matters worse for Farida is her Machiavellian co-worker Gihad, who's scheming for her position at the magazine where they work. As thoughtless as she is ambitious, Gihad betrays Farida in an unimaginable way. Gihad's betrayal is almost as difficult to read as the passages that deal directly with the rape.
As Refaat's introduction promises, though, there are moments of hope as well. Farida seems to find a true friend in her new co-worker, Dr. Karam. The psychiatrist is extremely empathetic and professional toward her, helping Farida slowly heal. He may even be developing romantic feelings for her, though his professionalism and manners ensure that he will go about expressing his feelings in a respectful, appropriate way.
As you may have gathered from some of my previous reviews, when I read fiction that involves a character who has been sexually abused, I demand sensitivity on the part of the writer. Tarek Refaat writes with sensitivity, sympathy and an eye toward human dignity at all times. He takes us inside Farida's head, a very dark place, but ultimately a place where survival and healing can occur. This isn't an easy book, but it's a lovely and worthwhile story of the triumph of the human spirit.
Refaat writes in his introduction, "In a Middle Eastern society, a woman who has suffered such a horrible experience as rape is condemned in the eyes and words of the community.
"People never cease talking about her, or wondering if she was the cause of the incident and, even if not, they regard her as ‘used goods’ or an ‘expired product’ who should be satisfied with whatever comes her way, even if this means getting married to someone who doesn’t suit her or care about her. The pressure the victim undergoes is tremendous. In this novel, I attempt to take you on a journey of pain, struggle, and hope."
This attitude, unfortunately, is not confined to the Middle East. Until girls all around the world are educated equally along with their brothers, their thoughts and contributions to society are valued and males are taught from an early age to respect women, sexual assault survivors all over the world will still be able to identify with Farida's struggle, the dark times in her life, and her post-traumatic stress syndrome. It's yet another reminder that the fight for equal rights for women - even the basic human right not to undergo rape and other forms of torture - is one we must continue to fight.
Making matters worse for Farida is her Machiavellian co-worker Gihad, who's scheming for her position at the magazine where they work. As thoughtless as she is ambitious, Gihad betrays Farida in an unimaginable way. Gihad's betrayal is almost as difficult to read as the passages that deal directly with the rape.
As Refaat's introduction promises, though, there are moments of hope as well. Farida seems to find a true friend in her new co-worker, Dr. Karam. The psychiatrist is extremely empathetic and professional toward her, helping Farida slowly heal. He may even be developing romantic feelings for her, though his professionalism and manners ensure that he will go about expressing his feelings in a respectful, appropriate way.
As you may have gathered from some of my previous reviews, when I read fiction that involves a character who has been sexually abused, I demand sensitivity on the part of the writer. Tarek Refaat writes with sensitivity, sympathy and an eye toward human dignity at all times. He takes us inside Farida's head, a very dark place, but ultimately a place where survival and healing can occur. This isn't an easy book, but it's a lovely and worthwhile story of the triumph of the human spirit.
September 11, 2011
Farida's life is turned upside down when she got raped by a psychopathic predator. After a year and a half the justice is done, the perpetrator was put behind bars. That should be enough, but now she must face the harassment and discrimination of the community she's living in.
Rape is a violent crime. Even if there's no scratch left on the body, rape cause a very serious trauma that no one should go through it alone. Farida was alone and needed support and friends for back up. But instead all she got was people blaming her, criticizing her, ostracizing her and even subsiding with her rapist. This experience is so painful that it is worse than the rape itself. It's a second rape in matter of fact, and it's shameful. It could drive the victim into deepening isolation and despair. That's what happened to Farida upon her "second rape". And maybe just maybe her life instinct what made her live.
A rape victim can't depend on life instinct. Justice most be essential to heal her trauma and to heal the community, but it didn't.
I liked to see more friends to the victim, and more flashbacks from what she suffered during the year and a half. Maybe how she was able to gather force and put her rapist behinds the jail's bars.
The author succeeded in highlighting the victim's life after her sexual assault but it took a lot of time to the victim to go back to society and work, and especially seeking a therapist help.
What I also missed in this book is a more developed narrator-character(not author). I found it a little strict and oppressive, lacking coherence and bit boring. That all could be amended with a little more practice and perseverance.
I liked to read this book and I hope to see more of the writer's work in the future, and more of his constructive vision.
Rape is a violent crime. Even if there's no scratch left on the body, rape cause a very serious trauma that no one should go through it alone. Farida was alone and needed support and friends for back up. But instead all she got was people blaming her, criticizing her, ostracizing her and even subsiding with her rapist. This experience is so painful that it is worse than the rape itself. It's a second rape in matter of fact, and it's shameful. It could drive the victim into deepening isolation and despair. That's what happened to Farida upon her "second rape". And maybe just maybe her life instinct what made her live.
A rape victim can't depend on life instinct. Justice most be essential to heal her trauma and to heal the community, but it didn't.
I liked to see more friends to the victim, and more flashbacks from what she suffered during the year and a half. Maybe how she was able to gather force and put her rapist behinds the jail's bars.
The author succeeded in highlighting the victim's life after her sexual assault but it took a lot of time to the victim to go back to society and work, and especially seeking a therapist help.
What I also missed in this book is a more developed narrator-character(not author). I found it a little strict and oppressive, lacking coherence and bit boring. That all could be amended with a little more practice and perseverance.
I liked to read this book and I hope to see more of the writer's work in the future, and more of his constructive vision.
May 7, 2016
The first thing i loved about this story is its simplicity. The author, Tarek, didn't use any kind of complicated expressions or metaphors with his characters instead he used simple expression which makes it easy to the eye and close to the heart and that was quite clever regarding the issue he had discussed
The subject of rape is very difficult to discuss in any place around the world. It is very difficult to move on with your life after this horrible incidence. It ruptures the soul and deforms the personality of any woman leaving her with a lifetime scar that she will hurt with every step she tries to take to move on with her life. Being in a society that blames all moral issues on females will make such decision simply impossible.
Tarek tackled this sensitive issue in an interesting way that gives you a good understanding of the situation. He started with how the main character, Farida, sees herself, her personal struggles and the frustrations the society puts on her. Through his simple words, you will be able to bound with Farida, sympathise with her and shockingly discover the brutal aspects of our society that simply blames the victim. But as the story progress, Tarek will give you a glimpse of hope as the main character learns to accept herself and gain her strength once again teaching you a lesson in resilience.
Ruptured is in deed an interesting story to read and an intriguing one to discover.
The subject of rape is very difficult to discuss in any place around the world. It is very difficult to move on with your life after this horrible incidence. It ruptures the soul and deforms the personality of any woman leaving her with a lifetime scar that she will hurt with every step she tries to take to move on with her life. Being in a society that blames all moral issues on females will make such decision simply impossible.
Tarek tackled this sensitive issue in an interesting way that gives you a good understanding of the situation. He started with how the main character, Farida, sees herself, her personal struggles and the frustrations the society puts on her. Through his simple words, you will be able to bound with Farida, sympathise with her and shockingly discover the brutal aspects of our society that simply blames the victim. But as the story progress, Tarek will give you a glimpse of hope as the main character learns to accept herself and gain her strength once again teaching you a lesson in resilience.
Ruptured is in deed an interesting story to read and an intriguing one to discover.
August 26, 2011
I really liked this book. Farida is a girl who struggles with the sequelas of her rape. I like how she fight against herself, just to have her life again. We can see how, sometimes, when we have the most painful moments on our lives, wee refugee on solitude. And that's not right. We need our friends, our family, we need God to move on. Sara, her friend and boss, she help her and understand her a lot. I liked her so much. I think this book is beautiful. I just didn't like the last thing Karam did when the bomb exploded about he and Farida, he was so calm and then he was so angry and full with rage?? Umm no, I didn't buy that from him. And about Gihan and Nancy, I think they should have had a worse punishment.. I'm just saying! lol. But besides that, I enjoy reading this book.
As a woman, I identify with some feelings of Farida. We suffer so much in this society. We even point to another and talk about others nasty and awful things, and we don't know all the things that person has been trough. This is clear. We need to change. We need to trust in ourselves, to fight against the obstacles on our ways. To fight against our traumas. And, for that, we need love. Pure love from God, friends and from our soulmate. Thanks to Tarek, for letting me read your book. It was truly an amazing read.
As a woman, I identify with some feelings of Farida. We suffer so much in this society. We even point to another and talk about others nasty and awful things, and we don't know all the things that person has been trough. This is clear. We need to change. We need to trust in ourselves, to fight against the obstacles on our ways. To fight against our traumas. And, for that, we need love. Pure love from God, friends and from our soulmate. Thanks to Tarek, for letting me read your book. It was truly an amazing read.
September 10, 2012
This book moved me greatly! Author Tarek Refaat takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of a young rape victim as she struggles to come to terms, to the horror of what has happened to her. Our heroine lives in a society where women who are raped are viewed not as victims, but instead becomes scorned, defiled, and ultimately loses her status in her community.
Author Tarek Refaat portrayed this woman's point of view so well that you feel her frustration, her shame, her pain, her helplessness and you become so involved in the lack of compassion in her community. You, the reader, become wrapped in her pain and helplessness with her. Author Tarek Refaat shines a glaring light on a subject that most authors shy away from: rape. Rape is a deplorable and despicable act anywhere and everywhere. Unfortunately, society often reacts different in many places, but the feelings and reactions of the victim are stay the same, and are universal.
Tarek Refaat's debut novel is filled with feeling, compassion and understanding of a tender subject. I expect Author Tarek Refaat will succeed at everything he touches his hand to, as an author. Well done.
Author Tarek Refaat portrayed this woman's point of view so well that you feel her frustration, her shame, her pain, her helplessness and you become so involved in the lack of compassion in her community. You, the reader, become wrapped in her pain and helplessness with her. Author Tarek Refaat shines a glaring light on a subject that most authors shy away from: rape. Rape is a deplorable and despicable act anywhere and everywhere. Unfortunately, society often reacts different in many places, but the feelings and reactions of the victim are stay the same, and are universal.
Tarek Refaat's debut novel is filled with feeling, compassion and understanding of a tender subject. I expect Author Tarek Refaat will succeed at everything he touches his hand to, as an author. Well done.
March 10, 2012
Very touching and poignant
This story follows a bit of life of Farida who writes for Charisma which is a magazine in Egypt. As we enter the story she's been taking a bit of time off because of having gone through a rape and now she has written an article about the rape. I really felt for her as she sat down to write the article and she had to relive the entire rape that she had went through in her mind. It's very interesting to see neighbors and coworkers reactions to her and knowing a few Muslims I would say those reactions were captured pretty accurately by the author. I was thoroughly captivated and entranced by this story as Farida rebuilds her life after having experienced the rape. Personally, I felt it was really readable, the story just flowed along and pulled me in. Once it pulled me in it kept me there and I actually read it in one sitting, enjoyed it all the way through. Though I would tell you who but those of you who like love stories, there is small one that threads through in the background. Yes, Farida does find love.
This story follows a bit of life of Farida who writes for Charisma which is a magazine in Egypt. As we enter the story she's been taking a bit of time off because of having gone through a rape and now she has written an article about the rape. I really felt for her as she sat down to write the article and she had to relive the entire rape that she had went through in her mind. It's very interesting to see neighbors and coworkers reactions to her and knowing a few Muslims I would say those reactions were captured pretty accurately by the author. I was thoroughly captivated and entranced by this story as Farida rebuilds her life after having experienced the rape. Personally, I felt it was really readable, the story just flowed along and pulled me in. Once it pulled me in it kept me there and I actually read it in one sitting, enjoyed it all the way through. Though I would tell you who but those of you who like love stories, there is small one that threads through in the background. Yes, Farida does find love.
April 13, 2013
I was extremely disappointed when reading this book. From the description, I was expecting and hoping to read a fictional story which formed a social commentary about the pain women have to deal with after being raped, particularly women in the Middle East, where rape is seen as being the woman's fault. The whispers and comments I expected to be the focus of the book were found on a grand total of four pages. The rest of the book was an odd mix of a rushed romance story and a drama about a woman using deceit to further her career at the expense of another. Even more out of place was the main male character going completely insane near the end of the book, though all of the characters seem to view his extreme and illegal actions as being perfectly ordinary.
I feel that comments do need to be made on the horrors rape survivors face. I'm sad to say that, despite the description, those comments cannot be found here.
I feel that comments do need to be made on the horrors rape survivors face. I'm sad to say that, despite the description, those comments cannot be found here.
May 15, 2012
This book is a realistic look at the journey of a rape victim as she struggles to come to terms with the horror of what has happened to her. Farida lives in a society where a woman who has been raped is not seen as a victim, but instead becomes the scorned one; a defiled person who loses her status in the community.
I was so impressed with this book. Tarek Refaat has so accurately portrayed this Egyptian woman's point of view that you feel her frustration, her shame, her pain, her helplessness and you become involved in the lack of compassion in her community.
Rape is a despicable act anywhere in the world, and while the reactions of society are different in many places, the feelings and reactions of the victim are universal.
Tarek Refaat's debut novel is filled with feeling and understanding. I predict that he will go far as an author.
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May 6, 2015This is one of those odd books where not a single star rating actually fits.
The premise is about a woman whom is made out not as the victim of rape but the person organizing it. I loved the universal truth of this.
However the ever changing shifts in the book, looking to step up in the world, dating once again etc.
all of this confused the plot line and diminished the main plot line. Yes life goes on and it is fairly safe to say it is a chaotic process but this was simply confusing.
Do not get me wrong. The premise remains and the author is gifted in depicting the masses and their scorn but....
WaAr
The premise is about a woman whom is made out not as the victim of rape but the person organizing it. I loved the universal truth of this.
However the ever changing shifts in the book, looking to step up in the world, dating once again etc.
all of this confused the plot line and diminished the main plot line. Yes life goes on and it is fairly safe to say it is a chaotic process but this was simply confusing.
Do not get me wrong. The premise remains and the author is gifted in depicting the masses and their scorn but....
WaAr
April 17, 2013
I am biased to Tarek as a friend I can't deny this fact , but in this book , he has tackled a critical issue , stepping on a field of bombs for a tale of a young woman in the middle east , in Egypt who was ..raped psychologically and physically . His neatness and simplicity has covered up a lot of how he handles a painful thorn ..It was an enjoyable read for me !
January 30, 2015
Rape is an emotive issue and the effects devastating. It is known that the despicable act is about having power over another and regardless of opinion, it is never the fault of the victim...even if they think it is.
However, what happens when society puts the blame on the victim?
This book explores that question and challenges cultural thinking.
An interesting read.
However, what happens when society puts the blame on the victim?
This book explores that question and challenges cultural thinking.
An interesting read.
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June 10, 2011This is my 1st published book , let me know your thoughts!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews