wow this book feels important. there arent books like this out there. or not enough. we shy away from stories like this. and i felt i had to read it, i wanted to. i feel its easier to turn a blind eye to this type of life. for those on other sides of the world who we probably cant fathom live the lives they do.
but these are woman just like us all. who sometimes lose and sometimes win. and often dont give up hope. i am in awe of some of the characters we dont know,trying to protect those they love against things that would give us nightmares.
and that is just a touch of what this book gives us. we learn so much from these very different woman. who have been handed their lot and must work with it. or they must run. or they must fight. its not easy. its going to take bravery, and when their lives sometimes collide there will be new gasps to give.
i was immersed into this book and these womans lives. i loved learning from them. and i hated when they had it tough, so tough. it was such a strong premise for a book and this followed through from beginning to end.
a very moving and emotional read full of plenty of heart.

Powerful and full of strong personalities, this was a gem of a book. There was so much pain and suffering in these pages, but also so much strength and courage. I really enjoyed the multi perspective storytelling and the small way these characters’ lives weaved together. Flora was my particular favourite and I found myself inexplicably drawn to her chapters and story.

The book has a slow plot and trudges along, but this only adds to the sweltering atmosphere. With multiple countries, faiths and upbringings, each of these women have nothing but almost everything in common with their desperation for change. Different to anything I’ve read in a while, this is one that will sit with me.