72 pages • 2 hours read
Because Fatma el-Sha’arawi is a recurring character from Clark’s earlier installments and also a detective, she exhibits little character growth throughout the story. Rather, her role in driving the plot forward takes priority. Like many fictional detectives, she is work-driven, pursuing her investigation relentlessly. Though skilled with a sword, she disapproves of violence and uses it only as a last resort.
Described as a woman with a boyish face who appreciates Western men’s suits, Fatma indicates Clark’s interest in subverting standard gender roles in literature. Fatma’s sexuality is also present in the story without being required for it. Clark has received praise for this decision, as it allows for an LGBTQ icon without making the character’s sexuality a defining part of her character or the plot, as is common for other characters belonging to minority groups. Fatma is fully developed on the page, executing the same functions for plots that straight characters have traditionally performed.
Opposite the fully fleshed-out female protagonist is another woman who is competent and ambitious enough to be a worthy villain. Abigail Worthington takes full advantage of the tendency for people to underestimate women, manipulating that prejudice to divert suspicion away from herself.
Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
By P. Djèlí Clark
Appearance Versus Reality
View Collection
Black History Month Reads
View Collection
Challenging Authority
View Collection
Fantasy
View Collection
Historical Fiction
View Collection
LGBTQ Literature
View Collection
Mystery & Crime
View Collection
Power
View Collection
Science Fiction & Dystopian Fiction
View Collection
The Best of "Best Book" Lists
View Collection