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The Furies: Three Women and Their Violent Fight for Justice
A stunning narrative investigation into three women who rewrote stories of disempowerment into stories of resistance, and wielded violence to fight back against their oppressors
Brittany Smith, a young woman from Stevenson, Alabama, killed a man she said raped her in her own home, but was denied the protection of a self-defense argument. Angoori Dahariya led a gang in Uttar Pradesh, India, that was dedicated to avenging victims of domestic abuse. And Cicek Mustafa Zibo fought in a thousands-strong all-female militia that battled ISIS in Syria. Each woman has been criticised for their actions by those who believe that violence is never the answer; yet each has transmuted a story of pain into power.
In The Furies, award-winning journalist Elizabeth Flock examines the lives of three unforgettable women who chose to use lethal force to gain power, safety, and freedom when the institutions meant to protect them - government, police, courts - utterly failed to do so. In luminous prose, Flock asks searching questions about cultures in which violence seems like the only means of survival, where deeply ingrained ideas about masculinity and women have helped breed the violence that women face. Can women's acts of vengeance help to create lasting change in misogynistic and paternalistic systems, or will they ultimately hurt their cause? The novelistic accounts of these three women offer profound insights into the quest for understanding what a society in which women have real power might look like.
Brittany Smith, a young woman from Stevenson, Alabama, killed a man she said raped her in her own home, but was denied the protection of a self-defense argument. Angoori Dahariya led a gang in Uttar Pradesh, India, that was dedicated to avenging victims of domestic abuse. And Cicek Mustafa Zibo fought in a thousands-strong all-female militia that battled ISIS in Syria. Each woman has been criticised for their actions by those who believe that violence is never the answer; yet each has transmuted a story of pain into power.
In The Furies, award-winning journalist Elizabeth Flock examines the lives of three unforgettable women who chose to use lethal force to gain power, safety, and freedom when the institutions meant to protect them - government, police, courts - utterly failed to do so. In luminous prose, Flock asks searching questions about cultures in which violence seems like the only means of survival, where deeply ingrained ideas about masculinity and women have helped breed the violence that women face. Can women's acts of vengeance help to create lasting change in misogynistic and paternalistic systems, or will they ultimately hurt their cause? The novelistic accounts of these three women offer profound insights into the quest for understanding what a society in which women have real power might look like.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
August 5, 2024
This was a pretty uneven book. The first section on Brittany was far and away the best section. The author has made a movie about that woman as well as articles etc. She had a great sense of this story and should have done and entire book on it. It felt like she tacked on the other stories to fulfill a thesis that got murky as she added people to it.
January 16, 2024
The Furies tells three extended stories: of Brittany Smith, tried and convicted of killing the man who strangled and raped her, then strangled her brother (the documentary based on her reporting is currently running on Netflix); of Angoori, the leader of the Green Gang in India, fighting violence targeting women; and Cicek, a Kurdish soldier fighting for freedom and gender equity.
These three women – and the women and men they worked with – fought against the odds, but were not perfect by any means. (Who is?) Smith lied when first reporting the murder, had lost custody of her children, and had a history of abusing meth; however, Elizabeth Flock clearly described the gender bias threaded through Stand Your Ground trials (compare her treatment with that of George Zimmerman, who killed Trayvon Martin); the meaning of women "protecting" themselves, especially in Alabama; questions about whether one can be raped by a friend, boyfriend, or husband; and other kinds of victim blaming. In addition, this family had little money and, in the US, quality of one's defense is influenced by the resources one has to hire attorneys and consultants.
Carolyn Light, author of Stand Your Ground argued, "A woman capable of violence needs to be pathologized: Is she angry or is she crazy?” (quoted on p. 57). Perhaps she is responding to her trauma history (Smith had an extensive history). A 2010 study of women in the Illinois prison system reported that 98% had experienced physical violence, 85% had been stalked or emotionally abused, and 75% had been sexually abused before they entered prison.
Karla Fischer, a forensic psychologist, observed that women with a history of abuse may respond more intensely to abuse inflicted upon them. “It’s not overreacting …It’s knowing that people will hurt you, that they will follow through on their threats, that certain things done to your body are painful. I think people with a history of violence may be more accurate with their perceptions of what people are capable of” (quoted on p. 87).
Flock next shared Angoori's story, which started admirably – think of Zorro or Robin Hood – but she also ran into problems: trying to take on too much (she may have had 1000s in the Green Gang at its height), failing to investigate the problems they received, and being corrupted by power. Cicek seemed to maintain her ideals, but lost three of her closest friends in an extended guerrilla war that they were outresourced in and experienced either depression or PTSD at the end of her story.
One of the things that I had difficulty with in The Furies is that Flock challenged my thinking more with the Smith story than the other two. Angoori and Cicek's stories, although interesting, did not seem to fit well with Smith's – in tone or style. For me, it would have been better if The Furies had become two different books.
Flock justified placing their stories together: all three women "sought to change the status quo, yet never fully escaped the oppressive systems they grew up in and continue to live under" (p. 285). Still, that each story ended on a sour note meant that the book fizzled for me. What is the bigger story?
These three women – and the women and men they worked with – fought against the odds, but were not perfect by any means. (Who is?) Smith lied when first reporting the murder, had lost custody of her children, and had a history of abusing meth; however, Elizabeth Flock clearly described the gender bias threaded through Stand Your Ground trials (compare her treatment with that of George Zimmerman, who killed Trayvon Martin); the meaning of women "protecting" themselves, especially in Alabama; questions about whether one can be raped by a friend, boyfriend, or husband; and other kinds of victim blaming. In addition, this family had little money and, in the US, quality of one's defense is influenced by the resources one has to hire attorneys and consultants.
Carolyn Light, author of Stand Your Ground argued, "A woman capable of violence needs to be pathologized: Is she angry or is she crazy?” (quoted on p. 57). Perhaps she is responding to her trauma history (Smith had an extensive history). A 2010 study of women in the Illinois prison system reported that 98% had experienced physical violence, 85% had been stalked or emotionally abused, and 75% had been sexually abused before they entered prison.
Karla Fischer, a forensic psychologist, observed that women with a history of abuse may respond more intensely to abuse inflicted upon them. “It’s not overreacting …It’s knowing that people will hurt you, that they will follow through on their threats, that certain things done to your body are painful. I think people with a history of violence may be more accurate with their perceptions of what people are capable of” (quoted on p. 87).
Flock next shared Angoori's story, which started admirably – think of Zorro or Robin Hood – but she also ran into problems: trying to take on too much (she may have had 1000s in the Green Gang at its height), failing to investigate the problems they received, and being corrupted by power. Cicek seemed to maintain her ideals, but lost three of her closest friends in an extended guerrilla war that they were outresourced in and experienced either depression or PTSD at the end of her story.
One of the things that I had difficulty with in The Furies is that Flock challenged my thinking more with the Smith story than the other two. Angoori and Cicek's stories, although interesting, did not seem to fit well with Smith's – in tone or style. For me, it would have been better if The Furies had become two different books.
Flock justified placing their stories together: all three women "sought to change the status quo, yet never fully escaped the oppressive systems they grew up in and continue to live under" (p. 285). Still, that each story ended on a sour note meant that the book fizzled for me. What is the bigger story?
January 15, 2024
Award winning journalist Elizabeth Flock was inspired by her own experiences as a result of the justice denied her after an assault to write The Furies: Three Women and Their Violent Fight for Justice. The book focuses on three women who took violent action as a response to male misogyny, aggression and brutality, with Flock particularly interested in how their actions have impacted the women, and society at large.
Brittany Smith shot dead a man who she claimed raped and brutalised her in her own home, but was denied a self-defense (stand your ground) legal claim in Alabama. It’s a heartbreaking and infuriating story of a woman whom the deeply misogynistic court system refused to recognise as a victim.
Seething with fury after years of mistreatment, Indian woman Angoori Dahariya formed a gang, inspired by the notorious figure of Phoolan Devi (known as the ‘Bandit Queen’) primarily to avenge victims of domestic violence and exploitation. Her ‘Green Gang’, now numbered in the thousands, threatens and punishes men publicly armed only with sticks. It’s an inspiring example of female empowerment, but not without its pitfalls.
Kurd Cicek Mustafa Zibo is a member of the all-female militia, the Women’s Protection Unit or YPJ, a sister force to the larger YPG fighting for freedom as an ethnic minority among hostile forces, including ISIS. Never keen on tradition which dictated she focus on becoming a wife and mother, Cicek decided to take up arms at age 17. She was proud to join the revolution and eager to fight, proving to be a committed soldier who quickly rose through the ranks, but the death and loss took its toll.
Flock built a relationship with the women she features over a period of about three years, and her connection with them is evident in the intimate details of their moving stories. I generally found Flock’s writing engaging and informative. Her reporting seems well researched, and well contextualised, balancing fact and emotion.
I found The Furies to be a confronting read, but one I believe imparts important lessons that everyone can, and should, learn from.
Brittany Smith shot dead a man who she claimed raped and brutalised her in her own home, but was denied a self-defense (stand your ground) legal claim in Alabama. It’s a heartbreaking and infuriating story of a woman whom the deeply misogynistic court system refused to recognise as a victim.
Seething with fury after years of mistreatment, Indian woman Angoori Dahariya formed a gang, inspired by the notorious figure of Phoolan Devi (known as the ‘Bandit Queen’) primarily to avenge victims of domestic violence and exploitation. Her ‘Green Gang’, now numbered in the thousands, threatens and punishes men publicly armed only with sticks. It’s an inspiring example of female empowerment, but not without its pitfalls.
Kurd Cicek Mustafa Zibo is a member of the all-female militia, the Women’s Protection Unit or YPJ, a sister force to the larger YPG fighting for freedom as an ethnic minority among hostile forces, including ISIS. Never keen on tradition which dictated she focus on becoming a wife and mother, Cicek decided to take up arms at age 17. She was proud to join the revolution and eager to fight, proving to be a committed soldier who quickly rose through the ranks, but the death and loss took its toll.
Flock built a relationship with the women she features over a period of about three years, and her connection with them is evident in the intimate details of their moving stories. I generally found Flock’s writing engaging and informative. Her reporting seems well researched, and well contextualised, balancing fact and emotion.
I found The Furies to be a confronting read, but one I believe imparts important lessons that everyone can, and should, learn from.
January 9, 2024
This book was unbelievable and kept me turning every page. You can tell the time and care that when into each woman’s story, and that Elizabeth spent a lot of time understanding them. I will definitely reread this one too - was a page turner and captivating through out!
November 5, 2024
amazingly written! women’s anger is something never written on but how do people expect women to live in this world and not want revenge? cicek’s story i think is one of the things that will stick with me for a long time
September 6, 2024
pacing was a little all over the place across the three stories, but overall a devastating and frustrating look at women and how the world around us pushes us into extremes. there is really no justice for women in spaces built by and ruled by men.
February 27, 2024
The first section of this book was a masterclass in writing gripping non-fiction - fury was certainly the right word.
Flock seemingly manages to straddle the line between the role of being a journalist and being an observer well, never letting Brittney off for her genuine mistakes and shortcomings while steadfastly relaying the narrative of her case. The local police, courts, media, the local community, the state of Alabama, and the American south are all indicted to varying degrees.
The sections of both Algoori and Cicek both read well and are highly engaging. Yet I can't help but feel that Flock writes with a greater sense of remove than was present in the section on Brittney. Perhaps this is simply a result of cultural familiarity - whether the author is from the South in the US or not, as a journalist based in America, the story likely felt more personal and familiar. Although journalistic remove is weaved throughout all three cases, to the latter two sections read with a more anthropological edge than the first. It's possible this feeling stems more from me as the reader. Although I am not American, as a white Australian I am certainly more familiar with their culture and stories. But it could also be due to the greater explanation of the latter two cultures when presented to a western eyes.
Flock seemingly manages to straddle the line between the role of being a journalist and being an observer well, never letting Brittney off for her genuine mistakes and shortcomings while steadfastly relaying the narrative of her case. The local police, courts, media, the local community, the state of Alabama, and the American south are all indicted to varying degrees.
The sections of both Algoori and Cicek both read well and are highly engaging. Yet I can't help but feel that Flock writes with a greater sense of remove than was present in the section on Brittney. Perhaps this is simply a result of cultural familiarity - whether the author is from the South in the US or not, as a journalist based in America, the story likely felt more personal and familiar. Although journalistic remove is weaved throughout all three cases, to the latter two sections read with a more anthropological edge than the first. It's possible this feeling stems more from me as the reader. Although I am not American, as a white Australian I am certainly more familiar with their culture and stories. But it could also be due to the greater explanation of the latter two cultures when presented to a western eyes.
March 25, 2024
3.25 stars
May 10, 2024
3.5 stars. an incredibly powerful book, one of my favorite non-fiction reads.
March 16, 2024
This was an interesting work of journalism and I appreciated Flock’s in-depth reporting on each of these women. My only complaint would be that I wish there had been a bit more of a reflection or analysis of how these stories tied together. Worth the read, especially during women’s history month!
May 14, 2024
This book made me want to simultaneously run screaming into the street and also cry forever. God I love women.
March 24, 2025
Another excellent book examining misogyny and the horrific consequences sexism and machismo create.
The author for uses on 3 very different women/cases: a Kurdish freedom fighter in Syria, a leader of a vigilante group, the Green Gang, in India, and a woman in Alabama who killed her rapist.
Parts of this book were incredibly difficult to listen to. As a warning, I will say 2 things—who hasn’t tried to commit genocide on the Kurds, and parts of India and parts of Alabama (maybe all parts of each) essentially have no such thing as women’s rights and men can do whatever they want to women.
I hope the women in this book have helped to bring about change and awareness. It sounds as if the Kurds in northern Syria have done the most in this way, but there is still work to be done.
An eye- opening book. Well-written, impeccably researched, and deeply moving.
The author for uses on 3 very different women/cases: a Kurdish freedom fighter in Syria, a leader of a vigilante group, the Green Gang, in India, and a woman in Alabama who killed her rapist.
Parts of this book were incredibly difficult to listen to. As a warning, I will say 2 things—who hasn’t tried to commit genocide on the Kurds, and parts of India and parts of Alabama (maybe all parts of each) essentially have no such thing as women’s rights and men can do whatever they want to women.
I hope the women in this book have helped to bring about change and awareness. It sounds as if the Kurds in northern Syria have done the most in this way, but there is still work to be done.
An eye- opening book. Well-written, impeccably researched, and deeply moving.
April 15, 2025
This was a very thought-provoking study of feminism vs. the powers that be. The author shares 3 women's experiences finding their power, challenging systemic injustice, and seeking vengeance and/or justice. If not hopeful, then certainly it's an inciting read...
((Let's tear down the patriarchy!))
Flock delivers fantastic journalism and compelling storytelling throughout all three sections of the book, but I may reread this to focus on common threads woven throughout.
((Let's tear down the patriarchy!))
Flock delivers fantastic journalism and compelling storytelling throughout all three sections of the book, but I may reread this to focus on common threads woven throughout.
August 11, 2025
This is a well-researched book about three different women and situations in which they chose to employ violence in the face of injustice. It presents the complexity of the women and their situations and provides no easy answers, but much food for thought.
December 16, 2025
Not the book I expected but interesting to learn more about women's rights (or lack thereof) in India and the Kurdish fight for independence .
April 6, 2024
3.5 stars.
June 27, 2024
One of the most interesting parts of this book was the gender bias discussed as it pertains to stand your ground laws. It was also very interesting to read/think about how the use of physical force (e.g. beating someone with your hands) may not be considered an imminent danger, but the use of a weapon generally is. This puts women at a physical and legal disadvantage due to average strength differences and their near required use of weapons to defend themselves from a man, whereas men tend to have other options available to them.
March 10, 2024
Alexandra Schwartz of The New Yorker reviewed this in FEB 2024 (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20...), which was enough to pique my interest. The historic societal problems of patriarchy (fists in the air, feminists!), misogyny, incompetent (sexist and racist) police forces (FUN FACT: hairdressers have much longer education requirements than police officers), a sexist (and racist) judicial system, and an ineffectual political system keeping the status quo entrenched. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV): Every year, nearly 10 million women and men become victims of domestic violence. Every minute, about 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States (https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS). This is a serious, chronic, and pervasive issue that must be addressed with full effort from all levels of society.
In these United States of Hypocrisy, the rights of women are under siege by the GOP. The GOP must be stomped out at the ballot box. Don’t allow politics to be played by simplistic sports-team betting. You’re smarter than that. We need to fight for humanism, empathy, support, and fellowship. We need to evolve as a society, not devolve back into a puritanical patriarchy. T-dawg is a convicted sex offender as much as he is a pathological liar, a career grifter, and an oath-breaking insurrectionist.
Info from the National Domestic Violence Hotline is found here: https://www.thehotline.org
Thank you, Public Library System, for having this title available. #FReadomFighters
For those living in US counties and states turning backwards into puritanical idiocracies, The Banned Book Club is here to toss you an app-lifeline (https://thepalaceproject.org/banned-b...). Spread the word. Knowledge is power against racism, against xenophobia, against ignorance, against fascism.
In these United States of Hypocrisy, the rights of women are under siege by the GOP. The GOP must be stomped out at the ballot box. Don’t allow politics to be played by simplistic sports-team betting. You’re smarter than that. We need to fight for humanism, empathy, support, and fellowship. We need to evolve as a society, not devolve back into a puritanical patriarchy. T-dawg is a convicted sex offender as much as he is a pathological liar, a career grifter, and an oath-breaking insurrectionist.
Info from the National Domestic Violence Hotline is found here: https://www.thehotline.org
Thank you, Public Library System, for having this title available. #FReadomFighters
For those living in US counties and states turning backwards into puritanical idiocracies, The Banned Book Club is here to toss you an app-lifeline (https://thepalaceproject.org/banned-b...). Spread the word. Knowledge is power against racism, against xenophobia, against ignorance, against fascism.
January 29, 2024
Intense Stories
The three stories covered are pretty intense. The American case comes from Alabama which is a state I can’t imagine living in. A woman is raped and kills her rapist and is accused of his murder, not allowed to use the Stand Your Ground defense. The Indian story is of a Dalit woman who was gang raped and began to lead a group of women to defend those murdered and raped. The last story is of a Kurdish woman in Syria who is raped by ISIS and forms a female fighting force to help destroy them. Intense stories.
The three stories covered are pretty intense. The American case comes from Alabama which is a state I can’t imagine living in. A woman is raped and kills her rapist and is accused of his murder, not allowed to use the Stand Your Ground defense. The Indian story is of a Dalit woman who was gang raped and began to lead a group of women to defend those murdered and raped. The last story is of a Kurdish woman in Syria who is raped by ISIS and forms a female fighting force to help destroy them. Intense stories.
Read
October 25, 2024Didn’t finish this book. It was good at first but I gradually became quite depressed reading it. I started to feel that nothing will ever change for women. Also the first case happened in America. Being English I can’t begin to understand the legal system of America.
June 4, 2024
Was like reading an encyclopaedia
February 21, 2024
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐹𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 | 𝐸𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑏𝑒𝑡ℎ 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 | 𝟓*
𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑆𝑦𝑛𝑜𝑝𝑠𝑖𝑠
❥An investigation of females fighting back following Brittany, who shot and killed her abuser. Angoori, who leads an all-female gang in Uttar Pradesh. And Cicek, a soldier part of an all-female militia fighting ISIS in Syria.
𝑇𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑠
❥non-fiction
❥feminist themes
❥graphic violence
𝐿𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑑
❥I found 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 provided a concise and balanced account of complex and imbalance gender based issues. I got angry and I cried. This really is a relevant, thought provoking, and powerful book.
❥What I liked about Brittany’s story is that the author uses the term ‘imperfect victim’ as that was what Brittany was. She had issues with methamphetamine and the way that society treated her through the lens of ‘meth addict’ was unfair and really struck home. Elizabeth Flock demonstrates the utter sham the justice system is, relying on societal perceptions, individual bias, and the likability of a defendant.
❥Angoori’s story was an eye opening account of Dalit women in India and how their reliance on caste to structure society also lumped women into the low category of ‘animals’. I loved the way Angoori took back her power and empowered so many women. I think I found Angoori’s chapter the most traumatic and yet the one that seemed to ignite change the most.
❥Cicek’s chapter based fighting ISIS was as harrowing as expected. What helps with this is the sheer resilience Cicek demonstrates throughout her story. A couple of bullet wounds? No problem.
❥Throughout these three chapters, Elizabeth Flock interweaves mythology, historical figures, and present demonstrations of females fighting back. Although the focus is on three women, many stories are told of a variety of different women and their traumas. She also includes lots of empirical research that helps support her story.
❥Although there is an inspiring element to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 and an encouragement of female empowerment, Elizabeth Flock acknowledges her three future as flawed, falling folly to mistakes like any normal person would which really drove home a realistic balance of the book, serving to ground it. Overall, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 demonstrates that sometimes, fighting fire with fire is necessary.
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑑
❥I enjoyed Cicek’s chapter the least as it left me feeling a little bit hopeless although this seems intentional and crucial to the audience of this book as the Syrian conflict is not a historical issue, it’s very current, and it’s also very easy to turn a blind eye when it’s not happening to you.
𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑄𝑢𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑠
❥”𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨…. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧.”
❥”𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘕𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦.”
❥”𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯—𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴—𝘧𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥.”
❥ 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮
❥ 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳/𝘟
❥ 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴
𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑆𝑦𝑛𝑜𝑝𝑠𝑖𝑠
❥An investigation of females fighting back following Brittany, who shot and killed her abuser. Angoori, who leads an all-female gang in Uttar Pradesh. And Cicek, a soldier part of an all-female militia fighting ISIS in Syria.
𝑇𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝑜𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑠
❥non-fiction
❥feminist themes
❥graphic violence
𝐿𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑑
❥I found 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 provided a concise and balanced account of complex and imbalance gender based issues. I got angry and I cried. This really is a relevant, thought provoking, and powerful book.
❥What I liked about Brittany’s story is that the author uses the term ‘imperfect victim’ as that was what Brittany was. She had issues with methamphetamine and the way that society treated her through the lens of ‘meth addict’ was unfair and really struck home. Elizabeth Flock demonstrates the utter sham the justice system is, relying on societal perceptions, individual bias, and the likability of a defendant.
❥Angoori’s story was an eye opening account of Dalit women in India and how their reliance on caste to structure society also lumped women into the low category of ‘animals’. I loved the way Angoori took back her power and empowered so many women. I think I found Angoori’s chapter the most traumatic and yet the one that seemed to ignite change the most.
❥Cicek’s chapter based fighting ISIS was as harrowing as expected. What helps with this is the sheer resilience Cicek demonstrates throughout her story. A couple of bullet wounds? No problem.
❥Throughout these three chapters, Elizabeth Flock interweaves mythology, historical figures, and present demonstrations of females fighting back. Although the focus is on three women, many stories are told of a variety of different women and their traumas. She also includes lots of empirical research that helps support her story.
❥Although there is an inspiring element to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 and an encouragement of female empowerment, Elizabeth Flock acknowledges her three future as flawed, falling folly to mistakes like any normal person would which really drove home a realistic balance of the book, serving to ground it. Overall, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 demonstrates that sometimes, fighting fire with fire is necessary.
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑑
❥I enjoyed Cicek’s chapter the least as it left me feeling a little bit hopeless although this seems intentional and crucial to the audience of this book as the Syrian conflict is not a historical issue, it’s very current, and it’s also very easy to turn a blind eye when it’s not happening to you.
𝐹𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑄𝑢𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑠
❥”𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨…. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧.”
❥”𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘕𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦.”
❥”𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯—𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴—𝘧𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐𝘧 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥.”
❥ 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮
❥ 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳/𝘟
❥ 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴
August 27, 2024
"We are trained to give way . . . Speak to the rapist nicely. . . . Kiss the knife.”
Some topics are better discussed in fiction. Others, in non-fiction. For me, female rage in response to extreme sexism, abuse and cultural oppression works best in non-fiction. Holding facts in my hands makes me angry, and pushes those "oh come on, really? that happened?" thoughts away. Because sometimes my brain tries to protect me from the extremely bad situations by trying to poke holes in a fictional story; it does not however dare deny a well researched book about three women who endured extreme oppression, violence and discrimination. I cannot skip over the horrible systemic cultural attempts to "put women back in their place." And I cannot deny their flawed nature, and how sometimes the fury goes too far.
Elizabeth Flock did a good job in my opinion at presenting 3 stories from 3 women growing up in very different cultures (American, Indian and Kurdish Syrian); she presented their upbringing compassionately and honestly; she agreed the women erred, but also explained why they did. And also accepted that...they may not be right all the time. The corruption of power was presented as well, and I thought that was an important point to bring up (especially with the Green Gang in India, where power is such a coveted--and poisoned--commodity). It became clear that, while sometimes extreme, the women had every right to snap. Ignoring and abusing another being is going to eventually blow up in society's face, unless society does something about it. And sometimes society doesn't do anything until there is a blow out. Society can be as angry as it wants, if 'peaceful' measures were an option, those women would have taken it. But it wasn't. As one of the wardens at a psychiatric hospital is quoted in this book: "(..) what’s remarkable is that men can do this to females, and they [the men] label us [the abused women] as crazy.”
So violence sometimes is the option. But it cannot be the only option moving forward and it poisons the ground quickly. It poison's the person wielding it too. The damage is sometimes severe and long lasting. Dialogue lines are often closed as a result. I did wish the book discussed more on where violence fails, when we should try to move to a new strategy, how dialogue can be re-initiated and why that becomes important. An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind. Still, overall this was an excellent piece of journalism, and food for a lot of thought and conversation. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Some topics are better discussed in fiction. Others, in non-fiction. For me, female rage in response to extreme sexism, abuse and cultural oppression works best in non-fiction. Holding facts in my hands makes me angry, and pushes those "oh come on, really? that happened?" thoughts away. Because sometimes my brain tries to protect me from the extremely bad situations by trying to poke holes in a fictional story; it does not however dare deny a well researched book about three women who endured extreme oppression, violence and discrimination. I cannot skip over the horrible systemic cultural attempts to "put women back in their place." And I cannot deny their flawed nature, and how sometimes the fury goes too far.
Elizabeth Flock did a good job in my opinion at presenting 3 stories from 3 women growing up in very different cultures (American, Indian and Kurdish Syrian); she presented their upbringing compassionately and honestly; she agreed the women erred, but also explained why they did. And also accepted that...they may not be right all the time. The corruption of power was presented as well, and I thought that was an important point to bring up (especially with the Green Gang in India, where power is such a coveted--and poisoned--commodity). It became clear that, while sometimes extreme, the women had every right to snap. Ignoring and abusing another being is going to eventually blow up in society's face, unless society does something about it. And sometimes society doesn't do anything until there is a blow out. Society can be as angry as it wants, if 'peaceful' measures were an option, those women would have taken it. But it wasn't. As one of the wardens at a psychiatric hospital is quoted in this book: "(..) what’s remarkable is that men can do this to females, and they [the men] label us [the abused women] as crazy.”
So violence sometimes is the option. But it cannot be the only option moving forward and it poisons the ground quickly. It poison's the person wielding it too. The damage is sometimes severe and long lasting. Dialogue lines are often closed as a result. I did wish the book discussed more on where violence fails, when we should try to move to a new strategy, how dialogue can be re-initiated and why that becomes important. An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind. Still, overall this was an excellent piece of journalism, and food for a lot of thought and conversation. 4.5 stars rounded up.
March 1, 2024
Pel nom pensava que era un estudi sobre l'evolució de la percepció de la societat de la violència exercida per una dona, començant per l'antiguitat (d'ahí el nom de furies).
El llibre ha resultat ser totalment distint però així i tot, fascinant i ben plantejat. Un estudi de cas centrat en la figura de tres dones que troben la seua agència gràcies a la violència (i el preu que paguen per açò). Víctima imperfecta d'una agressió sexual a la que jutgen per defendre's; una dona pobra i de casta dàlit que després d'una vida de menyspreus i discriminació recorre a la violència convertint-se en una vigilant justiciera; una guerrillera kurda que lluita per lliberar el seu territori de l'ocupació turca i de l'isis. Casos gens semblants, però igualment travessats per dos eixos: gènere i classe social.
He de dir que m'ha encantar la diversitat de les d'històries, perquè demostra que totes sofreixen un mateix mal (el patriarcat) però que ell adopta formes diferents: sistema judicial fallit EUA; falta de drets plens a Índia, especialmentgreu entre les dones de classe i casta baixa; imperialisme i crims d'honor a Kurdistan. També meravellós que no tots els casos són històries de dones d'occident (ni dels EUA).
La segona història (Angoori de l'Índia) era prou més ambigua èticament parlant que les altres dos (ofensiva vs. autodefensa davant una agressió individual/governamental), tant que continue sense tindre clar si el meu rebuig és perquè la "vigilante" és una dona i això ho trobe incorrecte, o si és únicament perquè l'autojusticia sols queda bé als còmics. Sols per esta incertesa considere que ha elegit bé la segona història, tot i que temàticament parlant siga un poc més diferent.
Per últim, la crítica, crec que els capítols eren un poc massa llargs. La quantitat de detalls inclosa pot ser fora excessiva i es poguera haver eliminat informació sense que açò afectara la qualitat del llibre. En algunes parts, especialment en Cicek, se m'ha fet avorrit i repetitiu.
El llibre ha resultat ser totalment distint però així i tot, fascinant i ben plantejat. Un estudi de cas centrat en la figura de tres dones que troben la seua agència gràcies a la violència (i el preu que paguen per açò). Víctima imperfecta d'una agressió sexual a la que jutgen per defendre's; una dona pobra i de casta dàlit que després d'una vida de menyspreus i discriminació recorre a la violència convertint-se en una vigilant justiciera; una guerrillera kurda que lluita per lliberar el seu territori de l'ocupació turca i de l'isis. Casos gens semblants, però igualment travessats per dos eixos: gènere i classe social.
He de dir que m'ha encantar la diversitat de les d'històries, perquè demostra que totes sofreixen un mateix mal (el patriarcat) però que ell adopta formes diferents: sistema judicial fallit EUA; falta de drets plens a Índia, especialmentgreu entre les dones de classe i casta baixa; imperialisme i crims d'honor a Kurdistan. També meravellós que no tots els casos són històries de dones d'occident (ni dels EUA).
La segona història (Angoori de l'Índia) era prou més ambigua èticament parlant que les altres dos (ofensiva vs. autodefensa davant una agressió individual/governamental), tant que continue sense tindre clar si el meu rebuig és perquè la "vigilante" és una dona i això ho trobe incorrecte, o si és únicament perquè l'autojusticia sols queda bé als còmics. Sols per esta incertesa considere que ha elegit bé la segona història, tot i que temàticament parlant siga un poc més diferent.
Per últim, la crítica, crec que els capítols eren un poc massa llargs. La quantitat de detalls inclosa pot ser fora excessiva i es poguera haver eliminat informació sense que açò afectara la qualitat del llibre. En algunes parts, especialment en Cicek, se m'ha fet avorrit i repetitiu.
March 21, 2025
I chose "The Furies" by Elizabeth Flock for Women’s History Month after seeing it recommended as a Top 100 Women's History book—and it absolutely deserves that place.
Flock shares the stories of three women who used violence to protect themselves or their communities.
I was struck by how little I knew of any of them before reading. The book moves from Brittany Smith in Alabama, whose story of domestic violence and self-defense felt familiar, to Angoori, leader of India’s Green Gang, and finally to Cicek, a Kurdish rebel fighter in Syria.
Interestingly, while my knowledge lessened with each story, my interest deepened. I found myself fascinated by Cicek’s story, even as I struggled with the complexity and cultural context I lacked.
Flock’s writing is engaging, accessible, and respectful of each woman’s experience. She explores how these women, in vastly different circumstances, turned to violence, sometimes as a choice, often as a means of survival.
The book raises profound questions about the efficacy of violence as a tool for women fighting against oppression. I did wish Flock had spent more time reflecting on that in her conclusion, what did she ultimately learn about the costs or impact of that violence?
Still, this is a powerful, thought-provoking read.
It left me deeply curious and motivated to learn more about the conditions of women in India and the role of female fighters in Syria.
"The Furies' is a necessary reminder of how much we don’t know about women’s resistance worldwide and why these stories matter. I strongly recommend it. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Flock shares the stories of three women who used violence to protect themselves or their communities.
I was struck by how little I knew of any of them before reading. The book moves from Brittany Smith in Alabama, whose story of domestic violence and self-defense felt familiar, to Angoori, leader of India’s Green Gang, and finally to Cicek, a Kurdish rebel fighter in Syria.
Interestingly, while my knowledge lessened with each story, my interest deepened. I found myself fascinated by Cicek’s story, even as I struggled with the complexity and cultural context I lacked.
Flock’s writing is engaging, accessible, and respectful of each woman’s experience. She explores how these women, in vastly different circumstances, turned to violence, sometimes as a choice, often as a means of survival.
The book raises profound questions about the efficacy of violence as a tool for women fighting against oppression. I did wish Flock had spent more time reflecting on that in her conclusion, what did she ultimately learn about the costs or impact of that violence?
Still, this is a powerful, thought-provoking read.
It left me deeply curious and motivated to learn more about the conditions of women in India and the role of female fighters in Syria.
"The Furies' is a necessary reminder of how much we don’t know about women’s resistance worldwide and why these stories matter. I strongly recommend it. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
May 28, 2024
This is a great book about the dark side of justice. Justice is an illusion presented by the privileged. The male. The powerful. Justice as we know it, is really revenge for the well heeled. Real justice doesn’t exist for the poor, the POC, women, children. The Furies is an investigational journalists research into cases that aren’t sensational or aberrant situations. They are the norm. The only think different here is they have support and someone to tell their story. The Furies is a report about the fury of women. About their place in the world. And the strength and necessity to fight back. It’s also a warning to the loss one faces when searching and demanding Justice.we all deserve. “The truth will set you free. But first it will piss you off.” Gloria Steinem.
March 7, 2024
Thank you to Penguin Viking for sending me an early copy!
This book focuses on the stories and struggles of three women and their violent endeavours to secure their rights. Their stories all touched my heart so much, and what broke it were the things they all had to go through.
Brittany’s story of being denied self defence against your attacker combined with the issue of not being believed is something a lot of women can probably relate to. Angoori’s fight for justice, while misguided at times, had an extremely noble aim. Finally, Cicek’s bravery to fight for what she believed in is truly admirable.
I hope all of these women are able to live long, happy lives.
This book focuses on the stories and struggles of three women and their violent endeavours to secure their rights. Their stories all touched my heart so much, and what broke it were the things they all had to go through.
Brittany’s story of being denied self defence against your attacker combined with the issue of not being believed is something a lot of women can probably relate to. Angoori’s fight for justice, while misguided at times, had an extremely noble aim. Finally, Cicek’s bravery to fight for what she believed in is truly admirable.
I hope all of these women are able to live long, happy lives.
April 10, 2024
Dude!! This book needs to be talked about more!
This book is small but packs a mighty punch. I loved the authors writing, and she lets the reader draw their OWN conclusions regarding the scenarios of each of the three women, or furies. She lays out the facts, they are absolutely brutal, and describes only when necessary. First book written by a journalist that I’ve truly enjoyed in a long time, and I get to meet her!! 😍
This book is small but packs a mighty punch. I loved the authors writing, and she lets the reader draw their OWN conclusions regarding the scenarios of each of the three women, or furies. She lays out the facts, they are absolutely brutal, and describes only when necessary. First book written by a journalist that I’ve truly enjoyed in a long time, and I get to meet her!! 😍
April 24, 2024
A fascinating insight into 3 very different women around the world. This book written by journalist Elizabeth Flock follows 3 women, who each tell their story of rage and how this affected them. From Alabama to India and to Syria, fighting against sexual assault, women's repression and more.
Each section of the book follows a different woman and is quite intense reading. It took me a while to get through, but I thought it was very well put together.
Each section of the book follows a different woman and is quite intense reading. It took me a while to get through, but I thought it was very well put together.
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