What Have You Left Behind?

Bushra al-Maqtari documented the suffering of civilians in the Yemeni Civil War in 2015, inspired by Svetlana Alexievich's work. She gathered over 400 testimonies, alternating between victims of the Houthi militia and those of the Saudi-led coalition. The book highlights the disillusionment and anguish felt by those trapped in the war and serves as a reminder of the human tragedy behind the headlines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2022
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

In 2015, a year after the Yemeni Civil War began, Bushra al-Maqtari made a courageous decision to document the plight of civilians caught in the conflict. This war, which has claimed the lives of over 350,000 people according to the United Nations, inspired al-Maqtari to embark on a two-year journey to visit various parts of the country, putting her own life at risk by engaging in conversations with her compatriots. Her dedication resulted in the collection of over 400 testimonies, a selection of which are featured in her book, "What Have You Left Behind?"

Al-Maqtari's approach to storytelling is unique, as she purposefully alternates between accounts from the victims of the Houthi militia and those of the Saudi-led coalition. This decision allows her to highlight the disillusionment and anguish felt by those trapped in a war that they did not initiate. The narratives she presents are raw and unfiltered, providing a glimpse into the human tragedy that unfolds behind the headlines.

What makes "What Have You Left Behind?" even more challenging to read is its unwavering portrayal of the scale of the human tragedy. Al-Maqtari's writing vividly depicts the lives of individuals who have lost everything, including their loved ones, homes, and sense of security. The book serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict and the urgent need for international intervention to bring an end to the suffering of innocent civilians.

Furthermore, "What Have You Left Behind?" offers a searing condemnation of the international community's complicity in the continuation of the war. Al-Maqtari points out the hypocrisy and double standards of countries that claim to advocate for human rights and democracy but remain silent or actively support the war efforts of Saudi Arabia and its allies. She highlights the role of the United States, in particular, in providing military support and intelligence to the Saudi-led coalition, despite the overwhelming evidence of human rights abuses committed by these countries.

Al-Maqtari's book is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of human rights. It serves as a call to action for the international community to take responsibility for the suffering of civilians in conflicts around the world and to work towards a peaceful resolution to these conflicts. "What Have You Left Behind?" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the human cost of war and the urgent need for global cooperation to address these pressing issues.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804270011