Siria mon amour
(Siria my love) Book not yet available in English
Summary:
” Amani was born in Syria but grew up in Italy. When she turns sixteen, her mother takes her to her country of origin for a few days under false pretences. After her initial enthusiasm for a different and fascinating world, rich in new scents and flavours, Amani discovers that she has actually been betrothed to a cousin she has never met and never loved. She is told that she will never return to Italy. Amani rebels against the engagement and the man, paying a very high price in a harsh and violent reality where women are nothing more than objects under the protection of men. Far from her friends and Andrea, her boyfriend, Amani will resist and fight until she regains her life. “
Edited by: Centro MeTRa - Università di Bologna (Italy)
Comment:
” “Siria mon amour”, by Amani El Nasif and Cristina Obber, is a book that tackles various complex issues: cultural differences, female self-determination, relationships with family and roots, and the power of perseverance and self-awareness. It is the true story of Amani’s dramatic experience, a young girl brought back to Syria from Italy under false pretenses and forced to face the fate that awaits women in patriarchal societies. Her story reminds us that too many women and girls around the world are still unable to make their own decisions and are forced to accept situations of violence, abuse and exploitation. The author’s lucid gaze does not intend to demonize her culture of origin, but rather to shed light on certain issues that deserve to be known and told. “