Weight of Sand: My 450 Days Held Hostage in the Sahara

In this memoir, Edith recounts her 450 days in captivity, where she was held by militant groups in the Sahel region of Africa. Despite the oppressive conditions and constant threats, Edith refused to have her humanity stripped away and found solace in her poetry, which she wrote in secret with a pen borrowed from another hostage. She used her art to unsettle her captors and identify their vulnerabilities, and her resilience and determination ultimately led to her escape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Greystone Books,Canada

Edith's memoir is a captivating tale of resilience and unwavering humanity, spanning a remarkable 450 days in captivity. When she meets Luca in a small Northern town, their connection is instantaneous, fueled by a shared love for travel, living off the land, and a bohemian lifestyle. In pursuit of their wanderlust, they embark on an epic road trip from Italy to Togo, where they join their friends in a sustainable farming project. However, their journey takes a unexpected turn when they venture into the Sahel region of Africa, a haven for militant groups. Trapped and captured, Edith and Luca face a harrowing ordeal that tests their strength and resilience in unimaginable ways.

Edith's determination to maintain her sanity is unwavering, and she finds solace in her secret poetry. Written in secret with a borrowed pen from another hostage, these poems became a lifeline for her during her captivity. Through her words, she reveals her unwavering dedication to her art, using it as a means to unsettle her captors and expose their vulnerabilities.

The Weight of Sand is a profound exploration of the human spirit's resilience in the face of extreme adversity. It is a testament to Edith's unwavering will to survive and her refusal to have her humanity stripped away. The book offers a captivating descent into a strange and brutal universe, providing a glimpse into the lives of those caught in the crosshairs of conflict.

In the midst of her ordeal, Edith forms a deep bond with a group of fellow female hostages. Together, they endure the oppressive heat, violent sandstorms, constant relocations, hunger strikes, and the heart-pounding escape that ultimately sets them free. Through their shared experiences, they find strength, solidarity, and a sense of purpose.

The Weight of Sand is not only a memoir of survival but also a celebration of the human spirit's indomitable nature. Edith's unwavering dedication to her art and her ability to unsettle her captors showcase her remarkable resilience and strength. The book serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and the power to rise above adversity.

Edith's story is a testament to the resilience of the human soul and the power of hope. It is a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, we can find solace, strength, and a reason to keep fighting. The Weight of Sand is a powerful and unforgettable book that will leave readers inspired and uplifted.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 161 x 238 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781771649094