The Beekeeper of Sinjar: Rescuing the Stolen Women of Iraq by Dunya Mikhail

Review by Sarah Erickson

The short:

Journalist and Poet Mikhail tells the stories of Yazidi women and the people dedicated to helping them regardless of the costs; she depicts hope under Daesh.

The long:

Mikhail depicts the stories of several women who escaped Daesh, following stories of repeated loss and horror. She details the experiences of the women and their children while flashing back to their loved ones searching for them while dealing with unimaginable trauma. Yet, as the tales unfold, a Yazidi beekeeper emerges as a leader in organizing a wide network to bring the women home. In the face of suffering, a hopeful story of love connects communities.

To read or not to read:

Read!! Mikhail writes of humanity through flowing prose and compassion. It is informative and centers an often-ignored community, while providing a beautiful and optimistic read.