Title: Reservoir Bitches
Author: Dahlia de la Cerda
Translated from the Spanish by Heather Cleary and Julia Sanches
Publisher: Scribe Books
ISBN: 9781915590435
Genre: Short Stories
Pages: 192
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

Dahlia de la Cerda’s Reservoir Bitches is a visceral collection of thirteen stories that plunge readers into the gritty realities of Mexican women navigating violence, poverty, and societal neglect. The opening story, “Parsley and Coca-Cola,” follows Diana, a university student who discovers she’s pregnant after a fleeting encounter. Lacking support and resources, she embarks on a solitary journey to terminate the pregnancy using misoprostol.

De la Cerda spares no detail, immersing readers in Diana’s physical agony and emotional turmoil as she navigates this harrowing experience alone. This portrayal underscores the systemic barriers Mexican women face regarding reproductive rights and healthcare access.

In “Yuliana,” the narrative shifts to a cartel heiress grappling with the weight of her family’s legacy and the expectations placed upon her. “La China” introduces Karla, a woman who transforms from a victim of domestic abuse into a formidable assassin, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. These narratives highlight the multifaceted nature of female agency, illustrating how women navigate and resist the structures that seek to confine them.

De la Cerda’s characters are not mere victims; they are agents of their own narratives. Their stories echo themes found in Indian feminist literature. Mahasweta Devi’s “Draupadi” presents Dopdi Mehjen, a tribal woman who, after enduring state-sanctioned violence, defiantly confronts her oppressors, reclaiming her agency in the face of systemic subjugation. Similarly, Bama’s Karukku and Sangati offer poignant insights into the lives of Dalit women, highlighting their resilience amidst caste and gender oppression. Ismat Chughtai’s “Lihaaf” challenges societal norms by exploring female sexuality and the complexities of women’s relationships within patriarchal structures. K. Saraswathi Amma’s works, such as “Ponnumkudam” and “SthreeJanmam,” critique traditional gender roles and advocate for women’s autonomy.

In the realm of cinema, de la Cerda’s characters evoke the strength and complexity of Mexican female figures like Rosario in El Norte and Sayra in Sin Nombre, who navigate treacherous landscapes with resilience and determination.

Reservoir Bitches is not just a collection of stories; it is a clarion call that amplifies voices often silenced, demanding recognition and justice. De la Cerda’s unflinching prose and profound empathy render this work a pivotal contribution to contemporary feminist literature.