Status Updates From Madona con abrigo de piel

we know what happened, we all know what happened. I’m struggling to finish. I find Ralph’s consistent, almost lethargic distain for living life, and seeing the world in any form of light incredibly irritating to read. I still don’t appreciate how he conducted himself previously, however, the the joy him and maria took in the mundanity of life, was quite sweet and enjoyable.

I spoke too soon, he is psychotic. The disturbing abusive nature of the quote “I conjured up mad scenes that had more than a little in common with my childhood fantasies, except they were even bloodier and more improbable splendid it would be to call her to the telephone just before she was to take the stage of the Atlantic and pop a bullet into my head while she listened to the other end!” gave me chills.

The progress that Raif has made out the story with his empathy towards women is there. However, it is only extended to maria in certain amounts. He compares her to a bird consistently, almost as if she is something to be conquered. I still do not find him as a trustworthy main character. The sentiment maria had towards men at the beginning, comparing them to wolves still stands.

Raif fails to realize one thing after his night with maria, it is not that she does not love him, nor is she incapable of love, she has never known a man to love her fully. He claims to be empathetic towards her and love her with all that is in him, but when it comes down to the times where she truly needs empathy instead of pity refuses to give her such. “The truth was, she cannot find it in her to love me“

The blatant struggle that maria has between her own personal grievances of sexuality and her struggle to behave “naturally“ is sad. Knowing that this book was published in 1943, I understand how the sentiment of her even talking about queer female love is very important and also shocking. It is unfortunate to see such a strong female character, be portrayed through the lens of such a man as Raif.

she mentioned her desire for being queer due to her distaste in men! Obsessed with her, love this diva. every time compares Raif himself to her it makes me more and more upset. Her constant struggle with the desire of passion yet distain for masculine presence and the patriarchy is such an important part of her personality yet completely ignored.