The Hidden Palace (The Golem and the Jinni, #2)

by Helene Wecker

It’s different for women, Ahmad—no, don’t argue, just listen. If a man smiles at me, I must smile back, or else I am a shrew. If a woman mentions she’s having a terrible day, I’m obligated to ask what the matter is, otherwise I’m arrogant and uncaring. Then I become the target of their anger, and it affects me whether I deserve it or not. If I were to act as you do, and alienate half the people I meet—how long do you think it would be before the noise grew unbearable?”

A hollow sigh. “No. I didn’t think at all, I only acted. She was so frightened for her father, and I was . . . vulnerable, I suppose. Please, don’t be angry. I couldn’t help it. It’s who I am.” The anger surged afresh, as though she’d called it forth. “Allow me,” he said, “the same consideration that you demand for yourself. I can’t help it, it’s who I am. Yes, you could not help running after her, and in that moment I meant nothing to you. I know this, I try to accept it, but I cannot understand, and that is what angers me. Tonight might have been the end of you, Chava. Who would I remember you with tomorrow if you were to die tonight? Arbeely? Anna Blumberg? I couldn’t even go to your bakery and cry with the Radzins.”