All these short stories are about the vulnerable in society, and unfortunately that means that most of them are women. In some cases, society has created rules that make them weaker and consequently more at risk. In other cases, something external happens to generate misfortune. In the case of the heroine of if... she is unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In the five other stories we encounter a momentary rebellion against abuse, a post-apocalyptic world where the change in the system turns out to be no better than the original structure. We also a middle-class family whose serious financial troubles lead them to question their status and priorities. A bus journey which changes an unhappy woman's perspective. And a world where a nightmare grows to possibly become reality or just another nightmare.
Reviews
An official OnlineBookClub.org review
by SweetSourSalty AndSpicy 08 Feb 2024
5 out of 5 stars
The book If... and other stories is a collection of six short stories about women. Four of the stories take place in the Middle East; one is during an economic crisis, and the final story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. These stories show Claire Frieze's versatility in writing, focusing on socially relevant topics.
The book is easy to read, with under 120 pages. There is no particular order to read the stories, but the selection and organization of the content are thoughtful. The first five stories aim to raise awareness and encourage empowerment. The final story delves into the consequences of ultimate control and power, emphasizing that empowerment is about balance and collaboration rather than reversing roles or keeping the dominant gender.