No Safe Place
No Safe Place by Bekhal Mahmood, published by Ad Lib Publishers Ltd. in 2022, is a poignant account of a young woman’s struggle for autonomy within the confines of her family’s expectations. At just 15, Bekhal, a member of a Sunni Muslim family from Iraqi Kurdistan, fled an impending arranged marriage, setting off a chain of events that would lead her to become a target of an honour killing. This narrative explores her journey as an asylum seeker in London and the tragic fate of her sister Banaz, who faced dire consequences for defying family honor.
In this edition, readers will find a detailed recounting of Bekhal’s harrowing experiences, including her pivotal role in the first honour killing trial in British legal history, where she testified against her own family members. The book delves into themes of cultural conflict, familial loyalty, and the quest for justice, all while highlighting the severe repercussions of patriarchal control. With 240 pages, this English-language edition presents a stark and unflinching look at the realities faced by women in similar situations, making it a significant contribution to discussions around gender and cultural identity.
Official synopsis Publisher
Bekhal Mahmod was one of six siblings from a Sunni Muslim family in Iraqi Kurdistan who sought a new life as asylum seekers and arrived in London in 1998. When Bekhal’s father tried to force her into an arranged marriage at 15, she ran away. This caused her father to ‘lose respect’ within the Kurdish community and Bekhal became the target of an honour killing and her younger sisters Banaz and Payzee were quickly married off to restore the family’s reputation. When Banaz left her husband, claiming he’d beaten and raped her, Mahmod decided this ‘shame’ to the family meant Banaz must die. Within weeks, she had vanished. Her body was later found in a suitcase, buried in a garden in Birmingham. Banaz had been raped and killed in a sickening plot orchestrated by her father and uncle. Bekhal Mahmod became the first female in British legal history to give evidence against family members in an honour killing trial, and won justice for Banaz. Bekhal has a new identity under a witness protection program. She lives in terror of her father’s release from jail. This is her story.
FAQ
What is “No Safe Place” about?
Who is the author of “No Safe Place”?
When was “No Safe Place” published?
What is the ISBN for “No Safe Place”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?