Overcoming

Wow. What a story to read on International Women’s Day. This beautiful memoir follows the life of Dr Ann-Marie Wilson on her quest to bring reform to FGM.

Dr Wilson tells a wonderfully written book stating in her youth to current day. I have yet to travel out of North America, yet Dr Wilson has traveled all over Africa and Europe.

When I picked this title I expected many more details into FGM, however, the book kept details brief while still revealing pertinent relevant information. I was pleased with how Dr Wilson handled this sensitive topic, while still educating.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and courtesy of the publisher.

This memoir of Dr. Ann-Marie Wilson is very emotive and was difficult for me to read although it is certainly of utmost importance. Dr. Wilson begins a crusade to right the terrible injustices of female genital mutilation (FGM) regarding the mistreatment and torture of young girls and women is tough to read but the truth must be brought to light. For too long this horrific practice has been shrouded in secrecy in the cultures that practice this. It cause these young girls tremendous physical pain and suffering from years on end. They are haunted by the trauma of the "procedure" and the emotional anguish of knowing it is most often completed by someone who is a member of the family. The resulting health issues, scorn, social isolation, and lack of economic outlets for work and service follow them the rest of their lives.. But DR. Wilson perserved and showed extreme courage to try to make a change regarding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) aroung the world. Dr. Wilson had many challenges to overcome in her own life but she never let go of her quest to have this volatileand emotional subject, shrouded in secrecy brought out into the light where people must face their discomfort head on and work for change..

Overcoming
My Fight Against FGM
by Ann-Marie Wilson
Lion Hudson Ltd
Monarch Books
Biographies & Memoirs | Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date 18 Jun 2021


I am reviewing a copy of Overcoming: My Fight Against FGM through Lion Hudson Ltd/Monarch Books and Netgalley:


Across the world there are girls that are subjected to fgm, female genital mutilation, even without permission.


Trauma, Health issues, and unfulfilled economic potential are just a few of the life altering results for over 200 million cut women and girls, and annually another 3 million girls are at risk of FGM.



In this book some of the origins of FGM are addressed, as well as telling the story one woman willing to sacrifice her comfortable, professional London life to help end its practice. Volunteering across fourteen African countries, Ann-Marie Wilson trained in basic midwifery, ran a fistula rehabilitation project, and qualified in psychology and theology before launching her charity, 28 Too Many. This book is built on the voices of over 3000 FGM survivors’ stories as well as meetings with heads of state and the Pope, the book offers an insight into how Ann-Marie leaned on her Christian faith in her darkest moments to continue to offer hope.



I give Overcoming five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I have been interested in FGM for a long time after studying it in college and the recent cases in the United States bringing it to light. I am horrified by what women across the world are experiencing. Ann-Mare Wilson shares extremely personal stories and I greatly appreciate her work for women.

This memoir of Dr. Ann-Marie Wilson is was difficult for me to read, but also encouraging that someone has taking on the mantel to bring out the horrors of the mistreatment and mutilation of female genitals. Quests like these require self examination and personal commitment. D.r Wilson's books lets us know about women women who face these horrific experiences face the highest stakes of being vulnerable and disposed. This book is not for the fainted heart, but a very important read.