☛ Cette critique est aussi disponible en français [➦].

Translated by Florence Bois-Villeneuve. 

We all have our own personal story to tell about menstruation: the first time we put in a tampon, the encouragement (or discouragement) from our family, the stress of going to the swimming pool, the surge of hormones… All of this is compounded by embarrassment, anxiety and fears, related notably to the social taboo surrounding menstruation. Élise Thiébaut and Mirion Malle set out to tackle this taboo. And they did so with facts, statistics, popularization and a good dose of humor!

In Les règles… quelle aventure!, we discover the organs involved in menstruation, the reasons behind this loss of blood, the etymological roots of the various terms and metaphors associated with them… We also learn about their usefulness, strength and relevance. We realize they’re not all bad and they’re part of an important agency process. After all, some people with uteruses can actually be happy with their periods!

They expose all the clichés, stereotypes and superstitions still too often associated with menstruation and affirm: no, they’re not dirty, dangerous or impure. They’re not blue, despite the advertising campaigns that make them out to be. Yes, they can hurt, extremely so, and discrediting that pain is not legitimate or justified. Yes, so-called sanitary protection is far too expensive and can cause a number of major difficulties for some people.

With Les règles… quelle aventure! the authors provide clear and lucid answers to all questions related to rules, without ever infantilizing people or presuming knowledge. A practical, accessible and essential guide for all ages!

Are you familiar with our Saignons ensemble (Let’s bleed together) t-shirt, which seeks to challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation here and around the world? Grab yours today! [➦]

Reference

Author : Élise Thiébaut et Mirion Malle
Title: Les règles… quelle aventure!
Date  : 7 octobre 2019
Publishing house : Remue-ménage

This book is available in print and electronic format from the Grande Bibliothèque (BAnQ).

It is also available in bookstores for $20.95.