A reminder that the efforts of activists can be difficult but still essential.
By Sara Ahmed ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 3, 2023
British Australian writer and scholar Ahmed’s latest work, Living a Feminist Life, provides a guide to being an uncompromising feminist in today’s world. Ahmed defines a feminist killjoy as someone who speaks out against sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or racist comments. She aims to give a voice to the feminist killjoy and to those fighting against inequalities and injustices. Ahmed shares her own experiences as a queer female feminist of color, as well as stories shared with her, to illustrate the pushback that is often encountered. She also references literature and films that have inspired her and help to illustrate her points. Ahmed provides survival tips for fellow feminist killjoys, such as surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, knowing that you are not always responsible for how you are received, and remembering that there is only so much you can do. Additionally, she includes her collection of killjoy maxims, recommended further reading, and reading group discussion questions for the book. The author was strongly influenced by Black writer and feminist Audre Lorde and references her works extensively throughout the guide. Although Ahmed’s writing is wordy and repetitive at times, her strong and relatable points are sure to be encouraging to feminist and social activists.
Pub Date: Oct. 3, 2023
ISBN: 9781541603752
Page Count: 304
Publisher: Seal Press
Review Posted Online: June 28, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023