Women Characters as Spies

[ma_mon28]

In my opinion, the female characters were potrayed brave and independent but only due to circumstances. Being a spy, their bravery and boldness were required to get the job done, but I found that the author tried a little too much to show us that Yasmina would be the standout of the spies. I can barely differentiate the rest of them from one another.

You're right! Yasmina's whereabouts were the best asset for them in locating conspirators as well as Fahmy who seems to be a conspirator, but later- she sings like a bird.

[ma_mon28]

Women don't have to be depicted as the most important part of a story to still be considered strong and independent. One can come without the other.

The lowest part of the team even if he or she contributed one point still, without his or her point, it's hard to workout.

[ma_mon28]

While the women in the novel were the key to the success of the spy mission, there was not much work done to fully develop their characters. Sarah was the most fearless of all the ladies, but we know little about her except that she is Jacko's sister. I hope that we see her in the other novels in the series.

Im looking for that as well, maybe in the next sequel. Even Jacko's love story is a sort of cliff-hanger.

[briellejee]

You right guys, the Aussies army made a great job in choosing those ladies. The ladies were not just using their looks, but also their brains helping to win the war.

It takes a great deal of intelligence to be a spy. You have to learn your enemy, you have to plan how to deceive him, and not to mention, you also have to be prepared on how to get out if they knew you were one.

I agree. The women are strong and brave to become spies. But the role they play in order to spy is kind of demeaning.

It is demeaning, but considering the timeline (it being patriarchy and all) and the setting (war), I think there's a limited role for them.

[JessNWheeler]

The female spies in this story were definitely objectified. Still, to face reality, in our current culture, it checks out. We have a long road ahead.

[Amy+++]

There was a lot of attention on the male characters in the book. I am glad that there were some women in the book fighting as well, no matter what there profession.

[Susmita Biswas]

It would be great. If the two spies were women then it would be even better. Because it would add some extra glamour.

[Mely918]

In my opinion, the women in this story seemed easily replaceable. None of them really stood out. It's a shame, because this could've been an excellent opportunity to depict strong, independent female characters.

[Rosebella]

In my opinion, the women were portrayed as independent, brave and deceitfully smart. I think women make the best spies because they can keep track of many stories "lies" at the same time and are very intuitive.

[Taylor Danvers]

I found the women very smart and manipulative. they were important assets to the war and they helped to make great progress on both sides I'd say they are independent and strong characters who added a lot of value.

[briellejee]

I like the idea of smart women being cast in the role of spies. Yes, they may have great looks and bodies that they use as "bait", but I love the fact that they can combine intelligence, wit, street smarts etc., to accomplish their goals and contribute to winning the war. After all, isn't there a phrase "all is fair in love and war"?

Also the phrase, "not just all looks" women are intelligent in the book though they are firstly portrayed as prostitutes.

[briellejee]

Women don't have to be depicted as the most important part of a story to still be considered strong and independent. One can come without the other.

That is true! Well in this book anyways. Seeing that they are not the main character and not the center of attention, their supporting roles don't need to be emphasized well.

[briellejee]

It's a good idea to use women in those lines of work as spies. But, character development is something that is needed for all characters in a book and these women seemed disposable. I mean, I can see it being realistic, but it's really just sad to me.

I agree about character development. But sometimes, it doesn't need for EVERY character to have a development. These women spies are just accessories to the story. It's nice to know their backstories and what happened later on with them, but I think it's not compulsory in a book to have ALL the characters a spotlight. The idea of them being disposable as characters is very much normal in a book considering that it will only decrease readability, because let's face it, they are not the main characters.

[nonamer_miss]

I don't agree with what you said that women spies character shows that women are easy to manipulate. I think it depends on the situation.

[Anna Maria 86]

In my opinion, the female characters were potrayed brave and independent but only due to circumstances. Being a spy, their bravery and boldness were required to get the job done, but I found that the author tried a little too much to show us that Yasmina would be the standout of the spies. I can barely differentiate the rest of them from one another.

Could you really not? Well, I think each of them had some kind of special thing that distinguished her from the other. Just to mention Fifi with her mon cheris and being jealous of Yvette about not having any special mission like her. I'm starting to think everyone's being a little hard on Mr Kater in the aspect of women and their role in the novel. Just my opinion.