Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

"Intertwined: Women, Nature, and Climate Justice" by Rebecca Kormos is an exploration into the interconnectedness of gender liberation and environmental stewardship. Kormos eloquently argues that true gender liberation cannot be achieved without a simultaneous acknowledgment of the importance of environmental justice. Through a series of interviews, the book presents a rich oral history showcasing the indispensable role women have played in caring for the land throughout history.

Kormos skillfully navigates the complex relationship between climate events and gender-based violence, shedding light on how environmental crises exacerbate existing inequalities. Drawing upon Indigenous knowledge and frameworks, "Intertwined" powerfully illustrates the detrimental impacts of colonialism on both the land and women, highlighting their disproportionate vulnerability to climate-related displacement and harm.

The book is meticulously researched, blending referenced literature with ethnographic interviews to provide a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between feminism and climate justice. However, despite its strengths, I couldn't fully endorse "Intertwined" due to some notable limitations.

One area of concern is the book's political stance, which diverges from my own beliefs and frameworks. While Kormos advocates for transforming existing institutions, I found myself yearning for a more abolitionist perspective. Additionally, the lack of gender-inclusive language and queer representation within the analysis of feminism and climate justice is a notable oversight.

Furthermore, the uncritical portrayal of NGOs and the absence of critique regarding labor hierarchies left me wanting more nuanced discussions. Instead, these entities are sometimes idealized, detracting from the book's overall depth.

In conclusion, "Intertwined" offers valuable insights into the intersection of women, nature, and climate justice, making it a suitable choice for individuals early in their exploration of radical concepts. However, for readers seeking a more comprehensive and critically engaged analysis, this book may fall short. While it illuminates important issues, it leaves many potential intersections and critiques unaddressed.

Overall, "Intertwined" serves as a thought-provoking entry point into the discourse on gender and environmental justice but ultimately leaves room for further exploration and interrogation of its themes.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Violence (moderate), Misogyny (moderate), Physical abuse (minor), Sexual assault (minor), Child abuse (minor), Genocide (minor), Eugenics (minor), Euthanasia (minor), Forced Sterilization (minor), Female Genital Mutilation (minor), Residential schools (minor).

This was a very interesting read to discover where woman's voices are muted in areas like conservation and climate change and how / why this needs to change.