In “Hun er ikke kvinne” (She is not a woman), Fatemeh Ekhtesari, a prominent figure in Persian poetry, explores the captivity of individuals within family, society, and personal emotions with intense language and playful expression. Breaking away from traditional Persian poetic forms, Ekhtesari employs rhythmic drive and structured patterns to convey a deterministic desperation. The collection is a rebellious and captivating exploration of identity, written simultaneously in Persian and Norwegian as part of Aschehoug’s series of bilingual poetry books.
Ekhtesari, a poet and human rights activist, serves as a counterpoint to Islamic and other forms of fundamentalism. Critics praise the distinctive language and tone of her work, highlighting its boldness and balance in expression. The poetry is described as varied, pulsating with repetitions, and characterized by complex allegorical exploration. Ekhtesari’s depiction of the “degendered” body emerges as a politically charged and impressive element in her work. Overall, “Hun er ikke kvinne” is recognized for its energy, inventiveness, tragedy, humor, suffering, and longings, making it a powerful and impactful collection.