menopausal Protagonists

Perhaps you, like me, enjoy ‘coming of age’ stories—the purity of youth and the often difficult transition to maturity. We are staring at you, Old Yeller. For those who may have missed it, Old Yeller is a lovely yet melancholy story of a child and his dog. I still cry every time I read it. Don’t deny it; you weep, too!

But some of us have ‘came of age,’ gone over the hill, and began our’silver odyssey.’ With this new life phase, I’m drawn to personalities with years draped like pearls, brimming with memories and reflecting knowledge. Maybe you are, too.

If so, I’d like to introduce you to a few females on their’silver odyssey.’ I believe you would enjoy having lunch with each of them.

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Aaliah — An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine

Aaliah is from Beruit. She speaks English, French, and Arabic (I like polyglots). Because she is retired (72, after all) and divorced with no children, she should have enough of time to meet with you. Still, she could be apprehensive. She’s lonely yet rather secluded.

Her sole pal died years ago. Her books and translations have become her closest companions now. After retiring from working at a bookshop, she began translating novels into Arabic. However, she does not allow anybody to read them; instead, completed translations are stored in the closet.

Despite her loneliness, she does not spend time in self-pity. She can be a bit prickly, but once you get to know her, you’ll be rooting for her like I am.

If she is hesitant to accept your lunch offer, get her chatting about literature, particularly classic ones. Perhaps if you mention Anna Karinena, she will share hummus and baba ghanous with you.

Maude — Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healy

Maude, Ahh, Maude. She is cute, if forgetful. Do not fear, she will not be offended by what I said. She probably won’t remember. You see, she’s falling into the depths of dementia, so arrange your lunch with her sooner rather than later.

She is charming, either despite or because of her amnesia. She is both hilarious and clever. Trust me. You may wonder why she forgets who you are and where you are five minutes into lunch, but this is due to dementia, not a lack of mental sharpness.

Maude is likely to want to chat about her buddy, Elizabeth, and how she is absent. Maude has told everyone who would listen (and those who won’t), but they simply smile and say everything is great. Then they forget about it (ironic, right?).

She could also tell you about her childhood. Allow me to offer you a tip. Plan for a lengthy lunch because once she begins telling you her story, you won’t want to be disturbed until she’s finished!

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Hornclaw — The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-mo, Chi-Young Kim (translator)

You might have figured that Hornclaw is not her true name, but good luck getting her to tell you. I would not ask if I were you. In fact, of all our ladies, I would urge that you use your finest etiquette with Hornclaw. I don’t mean she has a nasty temper; in fact, she appears to be rather calm. However, her occupation is rare. We can get back to it.

Hornclaw loves no one, and no one loves her save maybe her dog, Deadweight. That is starting to change. And it is an issue. It’s also why she would agree to go to lunch with you.

She is 65 years old, and her body is feeling it. Not only that, but she is going through some of the typical personality changes that come with becoming older. She is becoming physically and emotionally soft. Don’t tell her what I said, though. Hornclaw isn’t ready to retire, but she might not have a choice. The changes she is experiencing are a disadvantage in her field of work. After all, she’s an assassin.

She does not kill individuals at random; her boss assigns her to do so. You should be safe enough. Oh, and since she is from Korea, may I propose Hand Pulled Noodles with Black Bean Sauce?

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Orwal — Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

Orwal is my favourite. She will gladly sit down with you and share her experience. After all, she will claim that she is elderly and “there is nothing more the gods can do to punish her.” She has also had an unusual existence; some would compare her narrative to that of Psyche and Cupid from mythology. She had a lovely sister named Psyche, after all.

I brought a buddy to Orwal, and my acquaintance subsequently stated, “Orwal is horrible.”

What?!

To be honest, Orwal may not have liked my friend either. She hasn’t told me, but she didn’t have anything kind to say about her sister, Redival, and a few others… so.

Don’t you hate it when this happens? You introduce two close friends, and they dislike each other?

Still, I adore Orwal. Did she make any mistakes? Oh, absolutely. Misunderstand the people and circumstances around her? Yes. Have these misunderstandings caused harm to others? Yes.

I believe that is why some people despise Orwal. But it’s also something I adore about her. I believe there is some Orwal in all of us, and knowing this motivates me to be more patient and to remember that things aren’t always as they seem.

Thank you for reading. I hope you have a wonderful time with these amazing women.