A literary journey around the world, one unforgettable character at a time.
Stories have the power to transport us across borders, cultures and experiences. In this reading list, we share seven book recommendations from seven countries where Women for Women International has worked over the years. Each book offers a unique window into the histories, challenges and resilience of women and communities across different corners of the world. We hope these recommendations introduce you to new perspectives and deepen your understanding of the challenges, strength and resilience of women around the globe.
Second-Class Citizen
by Buchi Emecheta, Nigeria
Adah dreams of a life beyond the limitations placed on her as a woman. Determined to build a better future for herself and her children, she moves from Nigeria to London, only to face new forms of discrimination and hardship. Through resilience and ambition, she refuses to let others define her worth.
About the Author: A Nigerian-born novelist known for writing about womanhood, migration, motherhood and the struggles faced by African women in patriarchal societies. Her work is deeply influenced by her own experiences of living between Nigeria and the UK.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
by Zoulfa Katouh, Syria
Salama Kassab never imagined her life would be shaped by loss, fear and impossible choices. While volunteering in a hospital, she struggles to protect the people she loves and decide whether to leave everything behind or hold on to the place she calls home. Along the way, love and hope challenge her view of the future.
About the Author: A Syrian-Canadian writer whose work focuses on identity, displacement, grief and hope during the Syrian civil war. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is her debut novel.
Minor Detail
by Adania Shibli, Palestine
Years after a young girl's life is shattered by an act of violence, a Palestinian woman becomes obsessed with uncovering the forgotten details of her story. As her search deepens, questions of memory, silence and identity begin to blur the line between past and present.
About the Author: A Palestinian writer and essayist recognised for her minimalist and powerful prose. Her work often explores memory, silence, occupation and the psychological effects of violence.
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell
by Nadia Hashimi, Afghanistan
This novel intertwines the stories of Rahima and Shekiba, Afghan women separated by generations but connected by their yearning for autonomy in a patriarchal society. It offers a glimpse into the realities Afghan women face as they navigate complex cultural norms and societal expectations.
About the Author: Nadia Hashimi is an Afghan-American author and pediatrician whose bestselling novels explore themes of family, identity, resilience and Afghan culture.
Our Lady of the Nile
by Scholastique Mukasonga, Rwanda
At a Catholic girls' school, a group of students navigate friendship, rivalry, dreams and belonging. As tensions quietly grow beyond the school walls, their lives reveal the fears, prejudices and fragile relationships of a society on the brink of tragedy.
About the Author: A Rwandan author and genocide survivor whose writing preserves the memory of pre-genocide Rwanda and reflects on exile, violence, and cultural identity.
The Bird Tattoo
by Dunya Mikhail, Iraq
After being kidnapped by ISIS, Helin must find the strength to survive and reclaim her life. With unexpected help, she escapes captivity and begins the difficult journey of healing. Through her story, resilience, culture and hope endure even in the face of unimaginable suffering.
About the Author: An Iraqi poet and writer who combines journalism, poetry and fiction to tell stories shaped by war, exile and survival, especially focusing on marginalised and displaced people.
Sworn Virgin
by Elvira Dones, Kosovo
This novel 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.
About the Author: Elvira Dones is an Albanian-born writer, journalist and filmmaker whose work explores themes of identity, migration and women's experiences in the Balkans. Her internationally acclaimed novels include Sworn Virgin and Little Perfect War.
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