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ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Feminism, Gender Studies, Sri Lankan Politics, Social Commentary

Book Review:
''Cat's Eye: A Feminist Gaze on Current Issues,'' edited by the renowned scholar and activist Malathi de Alwis, is a vital and bracing collection that brings together the best of a landmark weekly column. For five years, the ''Cat's Eye'' column provided a consistently sharp, insightful, and unapologetically feminist perspective on the political, social, and cultural issues shaping contemporary life in Sri Lanka and South Asia. This anthology is both a celebration of that achievement and an essential resource for anyone interested in gender and society in the region.

The book's strength lies in its remarkable range. Divided into eleven thematic sections, it tackles an impressive array of topics, from the legal and social ''Rights of Wronged Women'' to the gendered politics of labor in ''Labouring Women.'' It casts a critical eye on ''The Body Politic,'' takes on ''Bureaucrats and Bigots,'' and fearlessly enters the arena of ''Sports, Sex and Silly Points,'' memorably including a defense of sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe against what the media monitor described as ''demonizing.'' As the quote from the Media Monitor attests, ''Cat's Eye'' was ''the only women's column... which spoke out against'' such unfair treatment.

The collection doesn't shy away from difficult subjects. Sections like ''Men Behaving Badly'' and ''Some Sacred Cows'' challenge patriarchal norms and entrenched orthodoxies with wit and intelligence. ''Feminist Readings'' and ''Free Speech and Sexism'' offer sharp cultural and media criticism, while ''Eye-ing the World'' expands the focus to global events. The volume concludes with moving ''Tributes'' to significant women.

Throughout, the writing is accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking. The column never failed to ''provoke thought and debate,'' and this book captures that spirit perfectly. For new readers, it is an excellent introduction to feminist analysis; for its loyal followers, it is a welcome return to an ''alternative voice and vision for society.'' Malathi de Alwis has performed a valuable service in preserving and presenting this important body of work. ''Cat's Eye'' is a must-read for students of gender studies, journalism, and anyone who believes that a feminist perspective is essential to understanding our world.