Gender-based Violence

In a society with strictly defined gender roles, gender-based violence is necessary and permissible to maintain a traditional sense of order. It should be made abundantly clear that Sattouf is not endorsing gender-based violence or murder, he is just illustrating how the patriarchy functioned in Syrian society in the 1980's. The second book in the series builds on Riad's observations about gender in the first book, and the presence of gender-based violence is critical to understanding Riad's perception of gender in Syrian Society. In the first book, Riad began to understand the power dynamics that existed between men and women in different societies. In the second book, Riad sees the consequences of these types of gender dynamics.

Crimes of honor must be committed to enforce the patriarchal structure of Syrian society. Leila's father and brother felt compelled to murder Leila because they value the honor of their...