I was eager to read Eyeliner after coming across several favourable reviews in the UK press. My initial thoughts were what a brilliant and unique idea for a book. The author talks about discussing the idea over dinner with a friend and encouraged by her mother, began writing. I am so pleased she followed her instinct as I found this book fascinating. The book is well structured and easy to follow taking the reader on a journey beginning with Nefertiti and then travelling and meeting people in the Middle East, India and Japan. The author then meets with drag artists, discusses the style of Amy Winehouse before moving on to modern day influencers. I have just come to view and appreciate eyeliner in a whole new way now knowing more about its history and hearing the stories of how and why people globally use it daily. I now take that little bit more notice of eye make-up and long to improve my own eyeliner application skills. I am so pleased I have read this wonderful book.

I can't remember what first drew me to this but I've always been a fan of books that trace global histories using a single concept or object. In this case, it's eyeliner. Through ancient Egyptian kohl, Iranian sormeh, Indian kajal, Maybelline's 1920s eye pencil and more, Zahra Hankir explores themes in beauty, tradition, consumerism, performance, and resistance across the world.

You don't have to be a make-up enthusiast to enjoy this. It's part cultural history, part journalism, and full of fun facts. I've already told everyone who will listen about the apothecary in Beirut who sells hyena gallbladder as a kohl ingredient (apparently you mix it with cedar honey and it's good for repelling glaucoma and lengthening eyelashes). Or that geisha in Japan wear red eyeliner to ward off evil spirits. And nomads in Chad use kohl to repel the desert sun.

This is a relatively easy read and one for fans of cultural history, armchair travel, and iconic winged eyeliner. Thanks NetGalley and Harvill Secker for the e-ARC!

"Eyeliner" by Zahra Hankir is a compelling collection of essays that offers a powerful and diverse exploration of identity, culture, and personal experiences from the Middle East and North Africa. Hankir brings together a chorus of voices, each providing an intimate and illuminating glimpse into their lives and struggles. From stories of resistance to tales of resilience, this anthology transcends borders, challenging stereotypes and shedding light on the rich tapestry of these regions. Hankir's curation of these narratives creates a poignant mosaic, addressing vital themes of migration, displacement, and the complex nature of identity. "Eyeliner" is a thought-provoking and timely work that underscores the significance of diverse voices in the global conversation.