A few years ago, in Kurdistan, one of my dear, friends advised me that there was an Arabic word to describe me. (Yes, he was male, and no, he wasn’t being rude, it’s a cultural thing). I can’t remember the word now, but he explained that it meant I was a useless woman. Oh, howContinue reading “A Useless Woman”
Category Archives: Fiction
Writing Resistance
The following is a brief paper I gave at a roundtable discussion on Resistance and Resilience in our writing As a writer I have always written against. Against what? Against the narratives of ‘other’ that I have been privy to in much of my reading life. Against the stereotypes of us, and by us IContinue reading “Writing Resistance”
Thy Kingdom Come
The following myth was written quickly and isn’t finished, but was in response to the murder of a young woman last week. From Britain, to Kurdistan to Trinidad and Tobago, all countries I have lived in, I am so tired of hearing of these atrocities against women. I am so sick of hearing authorities tellContinue reading “Thy Kingdom Come”
The Night Before
It’s the night before the start of the 5th Pan African Congress. Ade is working in Mr Kronnen’s cafe. The excitement is catching. Listen to how she tells it.
Ali Ashiq (Ali the Lover)
Ali Ashiq is a legend in Kurdistan. His story is retold both as a celebration and a warning about true love. I heard the tale of his life many times in many different ways and each telling moved me. As Ali got older the Kurdish Government built him a house outside of Soran close toContinue reading “Ali Ashiq (Ali the Lover)”
Anniversary of the 5th Pan African Congress
75 years ago, the 5th Pan African Congress started in Manchester at Chorlton Town Hall. Lasting 5 days it called loud and hard for freedom of colonised nations. It is said it was the most important congress because it was the precursor for independence for colonised countries. In A House With No Angels, Ade wasContinue reading “Anniversary of the 5th Pan African Congress”
Kindle Edition AHWNA
So there’s a new edition of AHWNA on Kindle. Different cover, slightly different content. The cover is a painting by Richard Rampersad in Trinidad, check out his work at http://www.rampersadart.com/portfolio.html
More Than A Book Launch
Yesterday, I changed my profile picture on Facebook to one of me at my book launch. I look happy and proud. And on one level I am. This book is an achievement. The launch was a dream come true. And yet I’ve been unable to write about it until now. Each time I’ve been askedContinue reading “More Than A Book Launch”
Interview for Black History Month.org.uk
I’m pleased to have an interview in the 2019 magazine. A chance for me to talk about A House With No Angels and what influenced me. It can be found at:
Book Launch
Tuesday, 15 May, 2019 Today is book launch day for A House With No Angels! Chuck Gallery, Plymouth Grove, Manchester 6:30 – 10:00 pm An evening of everything that is good in life – music, food, wine, literature and dance.