Super Short Summary

Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi recounts the life of Firdaus, a woman from a disadvantaged family in Egypt who faces systemic abuse and exploitation but ultimately asserts her autonomy by becoming a sex worker. Firdaus is caught in a cycle of male dominance and, after killing a pimp who threatens her freedom, she refuses to ask for pardon and embraces her fate with courage and agency. The novella includes descriptions of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, physical violence, and domestic abuse.