Summer Reading: Celebrating Voices from Around the World
Summer Reading: Celebrating Voices from Around the World
Celebrating remarkable stories of courage and determination from conflict-affected countries
As we embrace the warmth of summer (sometimes metaphorically, depending on the weather!), we invite you to join us in exploring captivating narratives penned by talented female writers from around the world.
This curated summer reading list celebrates the rich diversity of cultures, histories and personal experiences through the lens of authors from eight conflict-affected countries where we work.
Dive into these stories that promise to inspire meaningful conversations and highlight universal truths about the human experience; reminding us that, despite our own origin stories, there is so much more that unites than divides us.
The Barefoot Woman
Scholastique Mukasonga (Rwanda)
"Her bare feet pressed deep into the memory of the earth."
Scholastique Mukasonga's memoir The Barefoot Woman beautifully captures the resilience of Rwandan culture amidst the turmoil of genocide. Through Mukasonga's heartfelt storytelling, we honour her mother's strength and the traditions that sustain their community in the face of unimaginable loss – and the glimmers of hope that follow it.
Half of a Yellow Sun
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria)
"The world was silent when we died."
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun transports us to Nigeria during the Biafran War, weaving together the lives of characters whose destinies are shaped by love, loyalty and the tumultuous events unfolding around them. Adichie's iconic prose invites us to reflect on the impact of conflict on personal identities and societal norms.
The Baghdad Clock
“Some meanings exist inside us but are sleeping.”
Set against the backdrop of 1990s Baghdad, Shahad Al Rawi's The Baghdad Clock offers a heartfelt exploration of friendship and hope through the eyes of two young girls. Al Rawi poignantly captures the essence of everyday life amidst political upheaval, highlighting the dreams of Iraqi youth and their determination to create a brighter future.
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell
Nadia Hashimi (Afghanistan)
“The human spirit, you know what they say about the human spirit? Is is harder than a rock and more delicate than a flower petal.”
Nadia Hashimi's The Pearl That Broke Its Shell intertwines the stories of Rahima and Shekiba, Afghan women separated by generations but connected by their yearning for autonomy in a patriarchal society. We’re given a glimpse into the realities Afghan women face as they navigate complex cultural norms and societal expectations.
The Tiger's Wife
“These stories run like secret rivers through all the other stories of his life.”
Téa Obreht's The Tiger's Wife blends folklore with a contemporary narrative set in post-conflict Balkans, where a young doctor uncovers family secrets amidst a landscape haunted by history. Readers are treated to lyrical prose that invites us to ponder themes of memory, identity and the enduring impact of war on personal and collective narratives.
Sworn Virgin
Elvira Dones (Kosovo)
“She was the only girl in the village enrolled in university. She didn't want to have children, she just wanted books. In the middle of the mountains you couldn't say this if you were born a woman."
Elvira Dones' Sworn Virgin explores the Albanian tradition of sworn virgins through the story of Hana, who adopts a male identity to escape societal constraints and pursue her dreams. Dones' novel challenges gender norms and champions the strength of women who, against all odds, are forging their own paths in a rapidly changing world.
A Long Walk to Water
Linda Sue Park (South Sudan)
“One step at a time, one day at a time, just today, just this day to get through.”
Based on a true story, Linda Sue Park's A Long Walk to Water follows the lives of two young protagonists in war-torn South Sudan—Nya, who must trek long distances for water, and Salva, a young boy separated from his family by conflict. The immersive narrative sheds light on the stark challenges survivors of conflict face amidst daily adversity, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.
Mornings in Jenin
Susan Abulhawa (Palestine)
"We're all born with the greatest treasures we'll ever have in life. One of those treasures is your mind, another is your heart."
Susan Abulhawa's Mornings in Jenin spans generations of a Palestinian family's experience, offering an unflinching portrayal of displacement, resilience and the enduring hope for justice amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The empathetic storytelling encourages us to contemplate the universal need for belonging and peace — a message that is more timely than ever.
The story continues
Storytelling connects us all
Which of these compelling reads resonates with you the most? Do you have any favourite books or authors?
We would love to hear about them. Share your thoughts and recommendations on social media tagging us @womenforwomenuk. Happy reading!
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INVEST IN THE POWER OF WOMEN THIS MARCH
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Women have the #PowerToChange the world. We see it happen all the time. In the face of inequality and conflict, women make small, positive changes which in time have a lasting impact on their families, on their communities and on society as a whole. Meet Buki and Chro, two members of our global team who are using their power to create a ripple effect of change.
On International Women’s Day 2022, we want to elevate the voices of the changemakers in the countries we work. These are women who are demonstrating their #PowerToChange social norms and are committed to creating a ripple effect for generations to come. Meet Khalida, Latifa and Zainab - women in our global team who have shared their inspiration, changes they've seen, and their hopes for the future.
Update and how your support continues to make a difference for women in Afghanistan as we resume our programmes.
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Please Don't Forget Afghanistan
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Latifa Faqirzada worked for Women for Women International - Afghanistan for nearly four years. With the help of the UK government, she left Kabul in August 2021 during the final days of the US/UK troop withdrawal. She is currently residing in London and advocating for the women who remain in Afghanistan. This blog is her personal story.
As we resume operations in Afghanistan, the country is facing a new emergency. International aid has been frozen and the country is on the brink of economic collapse: the banks have run out of cash, there is no money to pay salaries and not enough food for people.
The Gifts for Good Guide
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Join our global sisterhood in shopping with purpose this festive season with our Gifts for Good Guide. Discover an amazing selection of present ideas for your loved ones (or yourself!) that make a true difference to women survivors of war.
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