Share:

Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold is an impressive work of literature that retells the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood through a modern feminist lens. The novel explores violence, fear, strength, and womanhood, alongside the theme of inherited knowledge passed down through generations. The story centres on sixteen-year-old Bisou Martel, a quiet girl raised by her grandmother after the death of her mother. Bisou’s life is relatively normal until the fateful night of her homecoming dance, when she is attacked by a wolf in the forest. In the heat of the moment, Bisou manages to kill the beast. However, the chain of events that follows changes everything for her as she navigates a new and unsettling reality.

Elana Arnold employs second-person narration as a powerful narrative device. By doing so, she places the reader in an intimate and unsettling position within Bisou’s story. This technique is not merely stylistic; it reinforces the central idea that the story is not just about Bisou, but about women everywhere. The use of second-person narration bridges the gap between realism and fiction, immersing the reader more deeply and forcing them to confront the experiences depicted in the novel.

The symbol of the wolf is central to the novel’s thematic structure. Both figuratively and literally, the wolf represents the fear, danger, and violence that women face in society, often at the hands of men. The core theme is powerfully conveyed through a simple yet striking moment in the text: “I ran, and he chased… it was no longer a man who followed me. It was a beast, a wolf.” This statement captures the moment when a man, overtaken by desire or selfish intent, ceases to be human and becomes predatory. The novel suggests that wolves are not confined to forests; they exist in everyday spaces—in schools, offices, and ordinary conversations—waiting for the right moment. This metaphor is handled with bluntness and unapologetic clarity, giving the novel a raw intensity that strengthens its message.

Another significant theme in the novel is that of inheritance and communal strength. Through Bisou’s grandmother and the covens of women she encounters, Arnold presents a powerful image of shared memory and collective resilience. These women have each faced their own wolves and survived their own forests, and they now serve as guides for the next generation. The novel makes it clear that feminist and anti-patriarchal values did not emerge overnight; they are the result of generations of women resisting, fighting, and supporting one another.

The novel is not without its flaws. Its intense subject matter and persistent symbolism may not appeal to all readers. Some may find the relentless tone exhausting, while others might view the wolf metaphor as overly generalised. Nevertheless, Red Hood succeeds in delivering its intended message and stands as a significant work within modern feminist literature. It is a story about reclaiming power, refusing to remain prey, and acknowledging the anger that often accompanies survival. Bisou is not portrayed as an invincible superhero; she is frightened, uncertain, and deeply human. She does not possess supernatural powers, yet she fights—and she survives.

In conclusion, Red Hood is a bold, straightforward, and unapologetically raw novel that refuses to soften its truths. It forces readers to confront uncomfortable realities and to listen to voices that are often ignored. The book is highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of modern feminism. For those brave enough to enter the dark forest, Red Hood offers a frightening yet unforgettable journey into what it truly means to face the wolf.