🌟 Michelle’s Best Books of JulyEvery month, I crown one standout title as my favourite read. For July, the decision was really hard as I read so many good books, so here are two … She Who Remains - Rene Karabash (tr. Izidora Angel) Genre: Contemporary fiction "Truth or dare? Back then, we thought the weaker always chose truth because they were afraid of being bold. I realize now that picking truth was always the braver choice. Dare was for the liars, the cowards who masked themselves behind their bravery. For those who preferred to jump in the river, to run away, or to kill instead of telling the truth."
Archaic laws are still part of everyday life in a rural village in Albania where our protagonist, Bekija (later Matija), makes the decision to become a “sworn virgin”, leading to unforeseen tragedy for themself and their family. Why I Love It: Written in a beautiful poetic stream of consciousness, we are taken into a world that seems historically remote but highlights how patriarchal systems are still limiting the lives of people today. Perfect for fans of: A Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides - Gisèle Pelicot (tr. Natasha Lehrer and Ruth Diver) Genre: Memoir "Love is not dead, I am not dead, I still have faith in people. Once that was my greatest weakness, now it is my strength, my revenge."
One day Gisèle Pelicot was called into the police station and discovered that her husband had been secretly drugging and raping her for nearly a decade. This is her powerful and heartbreaking account. Why I Love It: This is truly one of the most shocking stories of domestic violence, but Gisèle Pelicot has an ability to see hope in a way that is honestly beyond extraordinary. This is definitely one that will have you crying on the couch (if you find some tear-stained pre-read labels in store this is why). I listened to Emma Thompson reading the audiobook, and if you prefer that format, you can listen while supporting Nation of Nowhere by signing up to Libro.fm.
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