Irene

“You know what I think?” I say. “I think this whole concept of women being docile and obedient is nothing but wishful thinking. Or why would you put so much effort into lying to us? Into crippling our bodies? Into coercing us with made-up morals you claim are sacred? You insecure men, you’re afraid. You can force us into compliance, but, deep down, you know you can’t force us to truly love and respect you. And without love and respect, there will always be a seed of hatred and resistance. Growing. Festering. Waiting.”
― Xiran Jay Zhao, Iron Widow

“Infinite possibilities open to me at once. That's right, I'm no longer human. I've been set free from my broken body, that husk of flesh and bone that has been prepared all its existence to be used for the whims and pleasures of men.”
― Xiran Jay Zhao, Iron Widow

“But a mother who has failed me so thoroughly is no mother of mine.”
― Xiran Jay Zhao, Iron Widow

“I've been told endless lies since I was born. That I was not kind enough, considerate enough, humble enough, honorable enough, pretty enough, pleasing enough. And if I failed to meet the needs of those around me, I did not deserve to live.
Propaganda. All of it. Propaganda to keep me chasing after the approval of others on my bound and broken feet, as if being a good servant is the only thing I should be proud of.”
― Xiran Jay Zhao, Iron Widow