BOOKS
Beyond Veiled Clichés: The Real Lives of Arab Women
First published in 2017. Second edition coming in 2026.
“Magnificent. Surprising. Illuminating. Australia needs this book.”—Nikki Gemmell
As someone who has a foot in both the Western and Arabic worlds, Amal set out to explore the lives of Arab women, in Australia and the Middle East, travelling to the region and interviewing more than sixty women about feminism, intimacy, love, sex and shame, trauma, war, religion and culture
Beyond Veiled Clichés explores the similarities and differences experienced by these women in their daily lives – work, relationships, home and family life, friendships, the communities they live in, and more. Arab-Australian women are at the intersection – between Western ideals and Arab tradition. It can get messy, but there is also great beauty in the layers.
“…an engaging blend of memoir, travelogue and interviews exploring the lives of Arab women in Australia and the Middle East.”—The Australian
In a time of racial tension and rising global fear around terrorism, there is a renewed fear of ‘the other’. At its heart this fascinating booknormalises people and their experiences. The breadth, variety and beauty of what Amal has discovered will enthral and surprise you.
“…Awad reminds us there is much more to Arab women than both Islam and reductive western cliches.”—The Sydney Morning Herald
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