News and Events

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Uncategorized

Own Voices Event at Tower Hamlets Council

Life, and the world in general, is pretty depressing right now.

But within these stretches of darkness, there are occasional bursts of light – and yesterday’s event at Tower Hamlets Council was one of them.
I joined theformidable Dr Fatima Rajina on a panel hosted by Liza Choudhury  from the Council’s Race Equality Network to talk about how Bengalis are represented in fiction and academic literature. I have honestly never been in such a heartwarming, hospitable and supportive space before.

The room was full of the most delicious food, love and laughter – in true Bengali spirit. The turnout was incredible, our discussion was frank and honest. We were joined by Councillor Abdul Wahid and even got to meet the Mayor – the legendary Mayor Lutfur Rahman.

I left the event with my belly, soul and mind full. @sylhetimacebhai blew my mind yesterday with what he was telling me about Sylhetis being a different race from Bengalis – definitely lots to think about there!!!!

A massive thanks to everyone who made this event happen…it was a much needed moment of joy amidst all of this turmoil. 

***BOOK REVIEW*** Hidden Fires by  Sairish Hussain

***BOOK REVIEW*** Hidden Fires by  Sairish Hussain

by | Aug 19, 2024 | Blog

I’d been wanting to read this book for ages, and was thrilled when I discovered it in @readwithsamia goodie bags from @thediversebookshelfpod second anniversary event – I was like YES, I’m gonna take this on holiday with me (despite the fact that it weighs 2kg and gave me a hand cramp… I’m too old for hardbacks 🤣)

And I’m so glad I did! Hidden Fires is a story of family secrets, past and present, told from the perspective of three family members from three generations. There’s Yusuf, who recently lost his wife and fumbles through life alone as dementia slowly clouds his mind. There’s Hassan, Yusuf’s youngest son, who is struggling to cope with his stressful job and family circumstances. And then there’s Rubi, Hassan’s daughter, who is the victim of horrific bullying online and offline but hides the extent of the impact it has on her mental health from her family. 

The story starts with the Grenfell Tower fire and the way the tragedy triggers Yusuf and brings forward traumatising memories that he has been hiding his entire life ever since the Partition…. 

There’s so much to unpack here, but what I loved the most was the relationship between Rubi and her grandfather, and how they both help each other heal from their traumas and secrets. Yusuf definitely stole my heart and reminded me a lot of my dad. 

May God protect our elders and loved ones – having supportive family really is a privilege and @sairish.hussain had me tearing up constantly whilst on holiday with how beautifully she depicted those complex relationships. 

Now excuse me while I go and listen to the @thediversebookshelfpod interview with the author – I’m not quite ready to let these characters go.