“Tante Rosa” by Sevgi Soysal: What Rosa Leaves Behind – A Book Review

Abstract

This study presents an evaluation of Sevgi Soysal’s novel Tante Rosa. Published in 1973, Tante Rosa is one of the pioneering works that places women’s identity, gender roles, and individual freedom at its core. The book narrates, in a series of chapters, the life story of Tante Rosa, a woman of Austrian origin. From her childhood onwards, the novel examines the social pressures she experiences, her search for identity, and the impact of the patriarchal order on women. Composed of distinct sections, the narrative portrays Rosa’s conflict with
societal roles through her childhood dreams, marriage, motherhood, and solitude. Although
Rosa’s life may appear to be that of an ordinary individual, it is, in fact, a critique of gender roles. Throughout the novel, Soysal challenges the confinement of women to domestic roles and the expectation that they be obedient and self sacrificing. By choosing to stand outside
the system rather than conform to a male dominated society, Rosa becomes perceived as
“abnormal.” Employing a critical and at times ironic narrative style, Soysal interrogates the
norms of patriarchal societies and offers perspectives that may contribute to the reconstruction of social order.

Keywords: Gender inequality, social pressure, women’s roles, freedom struggle, patriarchy.