Following Yumna Kassab’s Miles Franklin literary award shortlisted novel The Lovers, comes a moving meditation on endings, departure and the struggle to let go.

When she finally left, like properly totally completely left,

it shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

The signs were there.

Amina's marriage to Amin was supposed to be a new beginning, instead, it became an inescapable end. Even after the divorce, the shadow of their relationship clings to her, defining her life long after they part.

Set within the intricate world of an Arab community, the story of these once-lovers explores the devastating impact of a failed marriage from its heady beginning to its bitter end. From the outset, it’s clear this is a story of departure, yet Amina’s physical leaving is only the very first step.

Like Lot’s wife, forbidden to look back at her razed city, Amina is meant to move forward, but how can she when the past is burned into her soul?


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