Eva Schörkhuber: Die Gerissene.

Fashionista. Novel.
Vienna: Edition Atelier, 2021.
327 pages., hardcover, EUR 22,00.
ISBN: 978-3-99065-047-9.

Eva Schörkhuber

Exerpt

Marseille – Oran – Sahara – Habana!

The fascination of this book lies in exotic and far-away lands. Young Mira embarks on a journey, fending for herself until she reaches her places of longing. Her destinations have been chosen for a particular purpose: the dream of a great global revolution of women should become a reality. Wherever she arrives, Mira sparks revolutions: a fashion revolution in Marseille, the reawakening of the revolutionary liberation struggle in Algeria, and the socialist revolution in Cuba. What makes this book compelling is its tongue in cheek, self-deprecating tone.
Again and again, the poetic language of Mira’s first-person narration brings places to life in front of our eyes, giving us the illusion of being there as we read. Quite an accomplishment, since the chaotic activity in a Mediterranean metropolis like Marseille could not be more different from the tired secrecy of a village in the Maghreb, the total desolation of the desert, or the vibrant splendor of the Caribbean island of Cuba.
Die Gerissene (Fashionista) takes place in the global village, and Mira treads on the landmines of colonialism with every step. Her unbridled desire leads her to write anew the history of the cities and countries she visits, on an imaginary journey off touristic paths, although these too are repeatedly crossed. Mira’s postcolonial gaze is honest and unapologetic.
She is a child-like magical creature, a vagabond, a prankster. The book is full of humor and a pleasure to read. It is possible to see Mira as a Doña Quixote, holding up a mirror to the dying species of female knights/revolutionaries. Here, women are able to find themselves, though sometimes only after fighting windmills. Occasionally, the windmills are men. In the end, what remains is a stronger ego, or the ego of a strong woman.

Abridged version of the review by Walter Fanta, March 16, 2021.
Translation by Laura Radosh.

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