Land, Body, and Resistance: An Ecofeminist Reading of Susan Abulhawa’s Against the Loveless World

Abstract

This paper provides an ecofeminist reading of Susan Abulhawa’s Against the Loveless World, examining
the intricate relationship between the exploitation of Palestinian land and the commodification of
women's bodies. Through the protagonist, Nahr, the novel explores how colonialism and patriarchy are
interconnected systems of oppression that impact both the environment and women’s autonomy. The
paper draws on ecofeminist theories from scholars like Vandana Shiva, Greta Gaard, and Ynestra King,
emphasizing how patriarchal and colonial forces exploit nature and women in similar ways. By analyzing
Nahr’s experiences—her forced marriage, imprisonment, and involvement in sex work—the study shows
how her resistance to the degradation of her body mirrors the Palestinian struggle for land and identity.
The paper argues that reclaiming the land is paralleled by reclaiming bodily autonomy, both of which are
acts of resistance against broader systems of domination.