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Smash the Patriarchy

Smash the Patriarchy

A Graphic Novel

by Marta Breen

Illustrated by Jenny Jordahl

Translated by Siân Mackie

Published by: Helvetiq

Imprint: Helvetiq

96 Pages, 7.80 x 10.70 in, Color illustrations throughout

Hardcover
9783039640188
Published: October 2023

$19.99

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Description
Authors
Praise

★ "This is a well-told and highly informative read. Highly recommended for young adult graphic novel and nonfiction collections.” – School Library Journal (STARRED review)

Winner of the 2024 Global Literature in Libraries Initiative Translated Young Adult Book Prize

The patriarchy is falling. It’s time to smash it. This graphic novel shows you how.

Patriarchy means “the rule of the father” and describes a system where men are in control. At least since the time of Aristotle, loud-mouthed men have called women weak and inferior. In entertaining comic book form, Smash the Patriarchy shames the culprits and salutes more than 100 inspiring women—from Pharaoh Hatshepsut to Mary Wollstonecraft to Petra Herrera—who stood up to them.

The book is not afraid to examine some of the worst crimes—public shaming, medical examinations, and the widespread murder and jailing of feminists around the world—as it calls on readers to finally smash the patriarchy forever.

These men get embarrassed: Aristotle, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, Woody Allen and many more…

These women are celebrated: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Emily Dickinson, Queen Christina of Sweden, Arundhati Roy, Amanda Gorman, and many more…

Marta Breen is a writer, journalist and one of Norway's most profiled feminists. She made her debut in 2006 with the book Girls, Wine and Song, about Norwegian women through times in music. She has since established herself as a notable non-fiction author. Her book Women in Battle (2018), illustrated by Jenny Jordahl, has been sold in 27 territories.

Jenny Jordahl (b. 1989) is an illustrator, designer, blogger, writer and cartoonist. She is well known for her collaborations with feminist writer Marta Breen on books like The F Word and 60 Women You Should've Met. For her title What happened to you? (2020) she has won the prestigious Brage Award and the Orbil prize.

Siân Mackie is a translator of Scandinavian literature into English. They were born in Scotland and now live on the south coast of England. They have an MA in Scandinavian Studies and an MSc in Literary Translation as a Creative Practice from the University of Edinburgh. They have translated a wide range of works, from young adult and children’s literature to thrillers and non-fiction. They also love translating for the theater and have participated in the theater company Foreign Affairs’ mentoring program for translators and the Royal Court International Residency for Emerging Playwrights.

★ "This is a well-told and highly informative read. Highly recommended for young adult graphic novel and nonfiction collections.” – School Library Journal (STARRED review)
"The work’s upbeat tone keeps explanations of some devastating historical events from bogging down this vibrantly presented primer. " – Publishers Weekly
"This meticulously crafted nonfiction graphic novel serves as an illuminating primer on the intricate histories of feminism and patriarchy" - Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

“It has a giant vagina on a page and a naked Eve on another, and I am here for them! WOOHOO!!” – Fuse 8 Production, School Library Journal

“The narrative style brings home the scale of the injustices done to women while still remaining optimistic and celebrating the fortitude of those who try to change society for the better. The book explains concepts like “the male gaze” with clear, illustrative examples, as of the ubiquity of strip club scenes in films. It challenges the use of the word “genius” as it has been applied to men throughout history. And it does all this while maintaining a sense of humor: at the end, the three “worst sexists” in history are named—with a long list of (dis)honorable mentions.” – Foreword Reviews
Praise for Women in Battle:
”Marta Breen's witty text and Jenny Jordahl's dynamic art covers topics including reproductive rights, gay marriage and the #meToo movement. International and inclusive in outlook, it's both relevant and inspirational.” – Fiona Noble, The Guardian