HomeContemporary FictionPossessing the Secret of Joy

Cover of Possessing the Secret of Joy

Contemporary Fiction · 1992 · R

Possessing the Secret of Joy

by Alice Walker

A woman undergoes female genital mutilation — and its aftermath across a lifetime.

For17+GenreContemporary FictionLength286 pagesRead time~8 hours

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What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.

Violence

A lot

Graphic descriptions of female genital mutilation and its physical consequences

Language

Barely any

Some crude language

Sexual Content

Barely any

The operation and its sexual consequences are depicted

Substance Use

None

No substance use

Emotional Intensity

A lot

The lifelong physical and psychological trauma of FGM; themes of patriarchy and bodily autonomy

What this book is about

Walker's 1992 novel directly confronts female genital mutilation through the life of Tashi, a character from The Color Purple. Contains graphic medical and psychological descriptions of FGM and its lifelong consequences. For mature adults only.

Notes for sensitive readers

Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.

Graphic depictions of female genital mutilation

Physical and psychological trauma

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