Member Review

Bernal Mahmod was the sister of Banza. Banza as people may know is the girl found stuffed into a suitcase and buried in a garden in Birmingham. The perpetrators of the crime were her family she had been killed to protect their honour.

The author has described in graphic details the trauma of growing up with her father the evil punisher. There was so much brutality in that household that no person should ever have to go through. This is a tough read child abuse both mental and physical. Female genital mutilation. Child brides and the ultimate honour killings.

It also goes to show that for Bekhal there were many missed opportunities at the times when she reported things to the police , schools and the council. None of her claims were taken seriously perhaps if they had of been Banza might still be alive.

This is a powerful read that should be given to all. It would be especially good to be used in safeguarding training so people can understand what girls from some communities have to go through.
Thank you Bekhal for sharing your story. If I could I’d give you a massive hug. I hope that you will find your happiness. You have done so much for other women by speaking out.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to see an ARC