Mayda

by Srpuhi Dussap, Սրբուհի Տիւսաբ

This first Armenian feminist novel, published in 1883, is now available in English translation for the first time. The pioneering author, Srpuhi Dussap, advocated an equal role for women in the traditional Armenian society of Istanbul through this controversial novel of romance, betrayal, and reconciliation. Her compelling story was widely read and became an inspiration for future generations. Publication made possible by a grant from the Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund. Translated by Nareg Seferian and edited by Lisa Gulesserian, with an introduction by Valentina Colzolari.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1883

Reviews

[Nara · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is soooooo drama!!! i loved it lol. it was a really interesting mix of real housewives drama and a feminist manifesto. cool parts about capital punishment and double standards (in the context of western armenia in the 1880s). an honor to read this book, as it was not available in english for almost 150 years. while this was the first feminist novel written in western armenian, it was written at a time of transition between classical armenian and western armenian in terms of written text. the translator's note captured me: "Translation is challenging inasmuch as it is meant to be both technical and creative. Something new comes out in the end--that cannot be helped. Each language is its own world, after all. The process is a re-telling, a re-creation every time... It is said that the past is a foreign country, and so one might expect the language of the past to be somewhat strange as well" (166). I only gave it four stars because I think if this book wasn't written in the form of letter correspondences it would've hit harder, and wouldn't have felt as blocky. But it was epic of Dussap to experiment with the medium of a novel. She herself said the creative work of women unfortunately has no room for mediocrity, and this was her way of rising above the mediocre. so i respect it--it may just be a little too outdated of a format for my own taste here in 2024.

[Nur Sena · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to its publication date, it was ahead of its time. I couldn't believe some parts of the book because of the strong feminist themes. Madam Sira's ideas are extremely feminist and progressive for that period. There are some truly wonderful passages. Of course, the plot is a bit cliché, but that's acceptable for books from that era.

The story unfolds through a series of letters. Reading about the events through these letters is not only engaging but also reflects the communication style of that period. While the correspondence is mainly between Sira and Mayda, we occasionally read letters from other characters as well. I believe the character of Herika carries deeper meaning beyond being simply a “bad woman” or a “bad person.” In fact, she is the one who truly embodies Madam Sira’s feminist portrayals. Even her name seems to carry symbolic significance in that regard.

[Matilde Dias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madame Sira: SOCIETY, WOMEN'S RIGHTS, HYPOCRISY, PREJUDICE !!!!!!!!

Mayda: whatever bestie, did I ever tell you how hot Dikran is??💅💋🥵