the multifaceted nature of womankind in furies: stories of the wicked, wild and untamed
Furies: Stories of the Wicked, Wild, and Untamed is a compelling anthology of carefully curated feminist short stories honouring the Virago publishing house’s 50th anniversary. Each of the 15 short stories revolves around a single word, coming together to form a comprehensive reclamation of terms used to undermine and abuse women for centuries. Covering a range of genres, from magical realism to horror to historical fiction, the collection utilises powerful imagery to convey the superlative strength of the female race. Representing women from varied backgrounds, including women of colour, trans women, older women, and queer women, the anthology showcases the dynamic and multifaceted nature of womankind.
Highlights of the anthology widely vary in subject matter and writing style. The collection considers issues faced by women throughout the ages: from motherhood to menopause, it touches on the anatomical elements that compose the female experience. Siren by Margaret Atwood is a magical realist dystopia with an underlying message of the desire for belonging that women search for in feminist circles. Using an experimental, modernist style, comprising lowercase letters and frequent dashes, Kirsty Logan presents a vivid stream of consciousness and sense of desperation in Wench as she comments on sexuality, religion and resilience. She-Devil by Eleanor Crewes - the only story in graphic novel form - seems to escape the pages of the novel to haunt the reader’s mind, in a discussion of toxic relationships and familial pressure. In an exploration of the strength of womankind in general, the final story of the anthology, Tygress by Claire Kohda, subverts the stereotype of the Asian ‘tiger’ mother creating a literal figure and symbol of ferociousity. Though only few of the exceptional feminist tales presented in Furies, these four highlight the varied wonders that await within Virago’s compendium of female rage.
Eternally culturally significant in the never-ending fight against sexism, Furies is the embodiment of female rage and a must-read anthology for women worldwide.