Challenging Societal Norms From Novel "Perempuan di Titik Nol" (Women at Zero Point) by Nawal El Saadawi

Women at Zero Point is a novel by Nawal El Saadawi, first published in 1975. The novel tells the story of Egyptian women who have to face a patriarchal culture. Patriarchal culture is still being debated until nowadays, because it creates many conflicts related to gender equality between women and men. With this patriarchal culture, it can make women lose many opportunities, get discrimination, violence and prone to poverty. Finally the writer wrote a book entitled Women at Zero Point, with writing that is full of criticism, hard, and brave.

I read this book in high school. I facinated every time i read this book there are goosebumps and curiosity that come together. From the cover, it doesn’t look interesting but i think the cover on the front is a woman who symbolizes sadness and needs help. I don’t know why every time i see this book i feel watched. The figure of the wowan told in the novel really touched my heart. In every journey, unexpected things always come and the great thing is that this woman still faces it strongly and bravely. We as women will definitely be carried away by the feelings that the character gives us.

I really liked how the author brought the main character to make a very big decision. I was also very amazed to find out that this novel is a true story told to her by a woman named Firdaus. At that time, in the autumn of 1974, the writer was researching a case of neurosis in female inmates at Qanatir Prison (a prison notorious in Egypt for its perversion and violence to this day). Through a prison doctor, the writer learnt about Firdaus. Firdaus was awaiting his turn at the gallows for killing a male pimp. After several refusals, the writer finally manages to interview Firdaus the day before her execution.

I do appreciated, Woman at Point Zero is a powerful and poignant novel that delves into the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. The book is based on a true story and revolves around the life of firdaus, a woman who faces severe oppression and ultimately rebels against the system that dehumanizes her. One of the best experiences in reading “Perempuan di Titik Nol” is the profound emotional journey it takes you on. Firdaus story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, evoking a deep sense of empathy and admiration for her courage. El Saadawi’s unflinching portraval of firdaus life opens readers eyes to the harsh realities faced by many women, while also highlighting the indomitable spirit of resistance and the quest for dignity and freedom.

The novel focuses on Firdaus's life story with a backward or flash back plot. Firdaus is a woman who works as a prostitute and is famous for being the most expensive. Firdaus was imprisoned and sentenced to death. The novel depicts the plight of a woman, who has to live in a patriarchal society, and has to suffer and experience violence throughout her life.

To sum up, this book is thought-provoking, energising and inspiring. The lack of international recognition of the writer is unfortunate, as her contributions deserve more recognition. One of literature's greatest heroines, Firdaus, is a difficult story to read because it is so powerful, dark, and sad. However, her brave and quiet voice gives the story an honest narration that is critical of society and its vices. This book is highly recommended for women to read.