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A review by sar_she_her
We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
3.75
Premise of Unique Perspective, A Vignette that improved with insights as both book and protagonist progressed
It's hard to pinpoint what did vs didn't resonate about this author's writing. Especially while tempering what may be my outside preconceived notions based on societal generalizations.
Especially for nonfiction writing or memoirs, what usually resonates is a candid glimpse into an individual's unique perspective, experiences, and visceral emotions. Or conversely especially when shedding light on often under-represented, marginalized, or misunderstood people/culture I appreciate their zoomed out commentary based on personal experience and intimately knowing the culture, adversity, or addressing misconceptions.
This author's writing landed somewhere between the two, drawing portraits of childhood and home life that felt real and relatable, but not necessarily going into more personal thoughts/feelings on adversity nor societal misconceptions.
The book- as did her understanding of her own identity, the imperfect humanity of people in her life, and through gaining self-empowerment- improved as the book progressed, with me really enjoying the arcs of her relationships with self and family members through the last half to third of the book.
It may've been the decision of the writer through numerous drafts, and/or editors, but while i SO appreciate the author sharing her personal story AND shedding light on an often under-represented intersectionality of marginalization and almost unfathomable adversity, I wish she could've delved into some of these turning points, even if sacrificing some of the vignettes.
Covering a span of decades, including so much evolution, in a relatively short book is quite a challenge to undertake. I applaud her creating dialogue and advocating for safe spaces amidst the intersectionality of communities. I hope she continues to voice her unique insights, loud and proud, as an example and trailblazer for others.
It's hard to pinpoint what did vs didn't resonate about this author's writing. Especially while tempering what may be my outside preconceived notions based on societal generalizations.
Especially for nonfiction writing or memoirs, what usually resonates is a candid glimpse into an individual's unique perspective, experiences, and visceral emotions. Or conversely especially when shedding light on often under-represented, marginalized, or misunderstood people/culture I appreciate their zoomed out commentary based on personal experience and intimately knowing the culture, adversity, or addressing misconceptions.
This author's writing landed somewhere between the two, drawing portraits of childhood and home life that felt real and relatable, but not necessarily going into more personal thoughts/feelings on adversity nor societal misconceptions.
The book- as did her understanding of her own identity, the imperfect humanity of people in her life, and through gaining self-empowerment- improved as the book progressed, with me really enjoying the arcs of her relationships with self and family members through the last half to third of the book.
It may've been the decision of the writer through numerous drafts, and/or editors, but while i SO appreciate the author sharing her personal story AND shedding light on an often under-represented intersectionality of marginalization and almost unfathomable adversity, I wish she could've delved into some of these turning points, even if sacrificing some of the vignettes.
Covering a span of decades, including so much evolution, in a relatively short book is quite a challenge to undertake. I applaud her creating dialogue and advocating for safe spaces amidst the intersectionality of communities. I hope she continues to voice her unique insights, loud and proud, as an example and trailblazer for others.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Violence