Gulf is simply extraordinary. I was completely swept away by the vivid, deeply human stories that unfold across its pages. Ogrodnik weaves together a powerful tapestry of voices - each one offering a distinct, intimate glimpse into the lives of women in the Gulf states. What struck me most was the sheer range of experiences: women from different backgrounds, ages, and social positions, each navigating a complex web of cultural expectations, personal desires, and quiet, often unseen struggles.

The title is apt - not only does it refer to the geographical setting, but it also speaks to the emotional and societal gulfs that divide these women from one another, and sometimes even from themselves.

Every narrative pulled me in. I found it remarkably easy to empathise with these women, even when their circumstances were far removed from my own. Ogrodnik writes with a careful, poetic precision, crafting sentences that are as elegant as they are affecting. Her prose is luminous without being showy, and she has a remarkable ability to balance emotional depth with subtle social critique.

This book left a lasting impression on me. I felt both challenged and moved, and I came away with a deeper appreciation of the hidden lives and quiet rebellions of women in a region so often misrepresented or misunderstood. I honestly can’t wait to see what Mo Ogrodnik writes next - she’s a writer to watch, and Gulf is a book I’ll be recommending for a long time to come.

·IMPORTANT BOOK·

People usually think that those who go to the Gulf region for work are extremely lucky because they will have an easy life and will become rich quickly and effortlessly. Some might, yes. The majority won't be that lucky. Those with the right passport and connections live in a bubble, in a golden cage, doing their best not to see or hear. The rest see and hear but are muted. They have no voice, and there's no willingness to listen to them.
Everything Mo Ogrodnik says in her book is true. Of course, this is a work of fiction, and the characters and events might be fictional, too. But please have a look at Amnesty International's website, listen to whispers, and you'll know that she's right.
People who used to work there are forbidden to speak out about what they have witnessed, what they know. The Gulf's long tentacles are everywhere; if you go to the media, you will lose your job and might not get a new one. It doesn't matter in which part of the world you live. A little example: there was a book published a few years ago exposing corruption on a huge scale. Publishers in many countries faced immense pressure and threats not to publish the book. And we're talking even about little countries that normally don't make headlines. Protecting their good name at all costs is the most important thing for these guys. At all costs. So, kudos to Mo Ogrodnik for having the balls to write and publish this book!
One more thing - the book is well written and I read it with my guts wrenched.
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wow this book feels important. there arent books like this out there. or not enough. we shy away from stories like this. and i felt i had to read it, i wanted to. i feel its easier to turn a blind eye to this type of life. for those on other sides of the world who we probably cant fathom live the lives they do.
but these are woman just like us all. who sometimes lose and sometimes win. and often dont give up hope. i am in awe of some of the characters we dont know,trying to protect those they love against things that would give us nightmares.
and that is just a touch of what this book gives us. we learn so much from these very different woman. who have been handed their lot and must work with it. or they must run. or they must fight. its not easy. its going to take bravery, and when their lives sometimes collide there will be new gasps to give.
i was immersed into this book and these womans lives. i loved learning from them. and i hated when they had it tough, so tough. it was such a strong premise for a book and this followed through from beginning to end.
a very moving and emotional read full of plenty of heart.

Powerful and full of strong personalities, this was a gem of a book. There was so much pain and suffering in these pages, but also so much strength and courage. I really enjoyed the multi perspective storytelling and the small way these characters’ lives weaved together. Flora was my particular favourite and I found myself inexplicably drawn to her chapters and story.

The book has a slow plot and trudges along, but this only adds to the sweltering atmosphere. With multiple countries, faiths and upbringings, each of these women have nothing but almost everything in common with their desperation for change. Different to anything I’ve read in a while, this is one that will sit with me.