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anusha_reads 's review for:
Reservoir Bitches
by Dahlia de la Cerda
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
BOOK #9 “RESERVOIR BITCHES” BY DAHLIA DE LA CERDA
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY JULIA SANCHES & HEATHER CLEARY, LONGLISTED FOR #INTERNATIONALBOOKERPRIZE2025
UN Facts on Violence Against Women:
Globally, 6% of women report having been subjected to sexual violence by someone other than their husband or partner.
In 2023, around 51,100 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members—an average of 140 women or girls every day murdered by someone within their own family.
These staggering statistics form the brutal reality that Reservoir Bitches lay bare. Through thirteen interconnected stories, Dahlia de la Cerda offers an unflinching exploration of femicide, sexual violence, and abuse, particularly in Mexico. Each story presents a different perspective, showing the diverse experiences of women from various backgrounds.
The book does not shy away from the darkest aspects of gender-based violence. While social media and society often highlight glamour, luxury, and celebration, Reservoir Bitches forces readers to confront the horrifying flip side—rape, murder, and the unrelenting fear many women live with. There are no easy resolutions here; most stories end in devastation, reflecting the grim reality that countless women face.
One particularly heartbreaking story, Sequins, follows a transvestite character, highlighting themes of marginalization and vulnerability. While many of the book’s stories explore femicide and sexual violence, Sequins stands out for its portrayal of the violence and discrimination faced by gender-nonconforming individuals.
Yet, amid the darkness, moments of human connection shine through. The friendship between Yuliana and Regina is especially touching, offering a brief but meaningful contrast to the otherwise painful reality.
The translation by Julia Sanches and Heather Cleary is exceptional, preserving the raw emotion and intensity of the original text while making it accessible to a wider audience.
Reservoir Bitches is not just a book—it is a harrowing and necessary reminder of the violence women endure daily. It is unsettling, heartbreaking, and essential reading.
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY JULIA SANCHES & HEATHER CLEARY, LONGLISTED FOR #INTERNATIONALBOOKERPRIZE2025
UN Facts on Violence Against Women:
Globally, 6% of women report having been subjected to sexual violence by someone other than their husband or partner.
In 2023, around 51,100 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partners or other family members—an average of 140 women or girls every day murdered by someone within their own family.
These staggering statistics form the brutal reality that Reservoir Bitches lay bare. Through thirteen interconnected stories, Dahlia de la Cerda offers an unflinching exploration of femicide, sexual violence, and abuse, particularly in Mexico. Each story presents a different perspective, showing the diverse experiences of women from various backgrounds.
The book does not shy away from the darkest aspects of gender-based violence. While social media and society often highlight glamour, luxury, and celebration, Reservoir Bitches forces readers to confront the horrifying flip side—rape, murder, and the unrelenting fear many women live with. There are no easy resolutions here; most stories end in devastation, reflecting the grim reality that countless women face.
One particularly heartbreaking story, Sequins, follows a transvestite character, highlighting themes of marginalization and vulnerability. While many of the book’s stories explore femicide and sexual violence, Sequins stands out for its portrayal of the violence and discrimination faced by gender-nonconforming individuals.
Yet, amid the darkness, moments of human connection shine through. The friendship between Yuliana and Regina is especially touching, offering a brief but meaningful contrast to the otherwise painful reality.
The translation by Julia Sanches and Heather Cleary is exceptional, preserving the raw emotion and intensity of the original text while making it accessible to a wider audience.
Reservoir Bitches is not just a book—it is a harrowing and necessary reminder of the violence women endure daily. It is unsettling, heartbreaking, and essential reading.