Girls that Never Die

Girls That Never Die is a powerful collection of poetry by Safia Elhillo that explores Muslim girlhood, shame, the dangers of being a woman, and the violences enacted and imagined against womens bodies. It interlaces the everyday traumas of growing up a girl under patriarchy with magical realist imaginings of rebellion, autonomy, and power. The book is about wrestling ourselves from the threats of violence and looking to freedom and questioning what if we will not die, what will govern us then.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Roxane Gay,author of Difficult Women and Hunger,has written a new book titled Girls That Never Die. In this book,she explores Muslim girlhood and shame,the dangers of being a woman,and the myriad violences enacted and imagined against womens bodies. Drawing from her own life and family histories,as well as cultural myths and news stories about honor killings and genital mutilation,she interlaces the everyday traumas of growing up a girl under patriarchy with magical realist imaginings of rebellion,autonomy,and power. Elhillo writes a new world: women escape their stonings by birds that carry the rocks away; slain girls grow into two,like the hydra of lore,sprouting too numerous to ever be eradicated; circles of women are deemed holy,protected. Ultimately,Girls That Never Die is about wrestling ourselves from the threats of violence that constrain our lives,and instead looking to freedom and questioning: [what if i will not die] [what will govern me then] ____________________________________________ Elhillo s is a voice that walks into the future Ilya Kaminsky Brilliant. And fierce Aracelis Girmay An astonishment Tracy K. Smith Roxane Gay,author of Difficult Women and Hunger,has written a new book titled Girls That Never Die. In this book,she explores Muslim girlhood and shame,the dangers of being a woman,and the myriad violences enacted and imagined against womens bodies. Drawing from her own life and family histories,as well as cultural myths and news stories about honor killings and genital mutilation,she interlaces the everyday traumas of growing up a girl under patriarchy with magical realist imaginings of rebellion,autonomy,and power. Elhillo writes a new world: women escape their stonings by birds that carry the rocks away; slain girls grow into two,like the hydra of lore,sprouting too numerous to ever be eradicated; circles of women are deemed holy,protected. Ultimately,Girls That Never Die is about wrestling ourselves from the threats of violence that constrain our lives,and instead looking to freedom and questioning: [what if i will not die] [what will govern me then] ____________________________________________
In her remarkable book, "Girls That Never Die," award-winning poet Safia Elhillo takes us on a captivating journey through the realms of Muslim girlhood, shame, the perils of womanhood, and the myriad violences enacted and imagined against women's bodies. Drawing from her own life and family histories, as well as cultural myths and news stories about honor killings and genital mutilation, Elhillo skillfully weaves together the everyday traumas of growing up under patriarchy with magical realist imaginings of rebellion, autonomy, and power.

Through her vivid prose, Elhillo creates a new world where women escape their stonings by birds that carry away the rocks, slain girls grow into two, like the mythical hydra, sprouting countless branches that cannot be eradicated, and circles of women are deemed holy, protected. This book is a testament to Elhillo's powerful voice, which boldly walks into the future, challenging our preconceptions and inviting us to envision a world where freedom and autonomy reign supreme.

Elhillo's writing is a symphony of emotions, evoking a range of feelings from sadness to anger to hope. She tackles the complexities of Muslim girlhood, exploring the pressures and expectations placed upon young women and the ways in which they navigate the treacherous waters of gender and religion. She also delves into the dangers of being a woman, highlighting the many forms of violence that women face, both in the real world and in the realm of imagination.

One of the most striking aspects of "Girls That Never Die" is Elhillo's use of magical realism. She weaves fantastical elements into the narrative, creating a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. These magical elements serve as a metaphor for the resilience and strength of women, as they navigate the challenges and obstacles that life throws their way.

Elhillo's writing is not just about exploring the challenges faced by women; it is also about questioning the systems of power that perpetuate these challenges. She challenges the notion of patriarchy and explores the ways in which it shapes women's lives and limits their potential. She also examines the role of cultural myths and narratives in perpetuating violence against women and offers a powerful critique of these narratives.

Through her writing, Elhillo invites us to imagine a world where women are free to live their lives without fear of violence. She challenges us to question the status quo and to demand change. "Girls That Never Die" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that will leave readers feeling inspired, empowered, and compelled to take action.

In conclusion, "Girls That Never Die" by Safia Elhillo is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of Muslim girlhood, the perils of womanhood, and the myriad violences enacted and imagined against women's bodies. Elhillo's powerful voice and magical realist storytelling create a world that is both familiar and otherworldly, offering a powerful critique of the systems of power that perpetuate these challenges. This book is a testament to the resilience and strength of women, and it inspires us to imagine a world where freedom and autonomy reign supreme.

Weight: 122g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526665546