BOOK REVIEW 2 - THE THINGS I WOULD TELL YOU BRITISH MUSLIM WOMEN WRITE EDITED BY SABRINA MAHFOUZ

The Things I Would Tell You British Muslim Women Write edited by Sabrina Mahfouz is a compilation of work by various British Muslim female writers, poets, actresses and journalists who explore subjects such as politics, love, family, war and history. Filled with passionate creative pieces, poems and stories on what it means to be a ‘British Muslim Woman’, this book rises above time and place revealing just how diverse the search for belonging can be.

This collection of work is a fascinating and inspiring read! I’m a British Muslim female writer therefore I picked up this book thinking I would relate to the stories inside and although I was correct! Prior to this book, I had never read a compilation of work like this one. Every piece of writing within this collection has its own unique story to tell and it is done so very elegantly and beautifully yet still remaining powerful and ardent. Although each piece is written by a British Muslim woman, they are so different from one another, whether that being the topic or the voice which makes this book even more compelling to read! Right from the introduction, written by editor Sabrina Mahfouz, you are made aware of the stereotypes of a ‘British Muslim Woman’ and are told how this book will challenge these misinterpretations and misconceptions.

I really enjoyed the diverse range of work placed into this collection, from poetry to play-scripts, this book really has it all! One piece that stuck out from the rest, that I really appreciated reading, is a poem called Uomini Cadranno by Seema Begum. This poem highlights the significance of a Muslim woman and how there are many negative attitudes toward them. ‘They are weak. They are fragile. They are a mistake because they are girls.’ (page 115) Not only did this poem focus upon the misconceptions but it also mentions the many positive attributes Muslim women have and how they should feel empowered and not threatened by the stereotypes that are made about them.’No I’m a girl who’ll save endless lives, bring endless happiness, inspire endless people’, ’men will fall and ladies, we will rise.’(page 116) Another element of this poem that made it more inspiring to read is that it is written by the youngest writer within the collection, a fourteen year old muslim girl. Her voice through her poem not only projects female empowerment and determination but it displays a sense of hope and optimism for change! Her words resonate with me and I am able to empathise with her poem. A truly wonderful piece written by a very courageous girl.

Another piece I enjoyed reading is by writer and counsellor Aisha Mirza called Staying Alive Through Brexit. This piece speaks on the negative treatment of Muslims from other classes, specifically racist attitudes from white middle-class individuals, ‘Haven’t you gone home yet? Paki.’ (page 171) The writer was born in England and of a South Asian background, like myself, therefore I understood the points she made about racism, specifically racism in the UK, and I really resonate with her story. ‘I have spent hours, days and years in conversation with people like this, discussing structural inequality in the UK, isolation, fetishisation, why I had to escape - and still they seem to think racism started a week ago’ (page 172) Much like Seema’s poetry, Aisha’s piece not only highlights the misconceptions of Muslims but also displays a need for a change in ignorant attitudes so that Muslims and non Muslims can co-exist peacefully in society. ‘We have lots to talk about. If only middle-class white people would stop talking.’ (page 173) Here, Aisha mentions how Muslims need to be listened to in order for a change to happen, their feelings and ideas must be heard and appreciated so they are correctly understood and therefore respected. Again, another inspiring piece filled with passion, bravery and fight!

One element of the book that could have been improved upon is the placement of the biographies chapter. I believe this specific chapter is needed as, personally, it is useful to have some background knowledge on each writer. However, I think it would be more helpful if each biography is placed with the author’s work as I found myself flicking back and forth to gain the correct information on each writer once reading their piece. Nonetheless, this does not take away from the beauty and honesty that is laced within each piece.

To conclude, this compilation of work is carefully put together by its editor. This collection included pieces which highlight raw emotion and encourages its readers to be voices in challenging misconceptions and rising up to all stereotypes! The stories told within every single piece display the significance of female empowerment and individual identity. This book is a very thought-provoking read and never more relevant to today’s society than now!

                                                                                      ~ maysablogs