Savannah Bay launched a book club on the topic of Palestine in collaboration with Podium voor Palestina. From fiction to non-fiction, every last Monday of the month we will come together to discuss books about Palestine.

Discussion about NAMESAKE, Reflections of a Warrior Woman (2024) by N.S. Nuseibeh

In this original and personal collection of essays, the young Palestinian writer Nuzha Nuseibeh connects myths about her ancestor Nusayba bint Ka’ab al Khazrajia with contemporary topics concerning identity, such as being a Palestinian, an Arab, a muslim and a feminist. Nusayba was a contemporary of Muhammad and a warrior woman in the early days of islam.  Nuseibeh is the name of a distinguished Palestinian family based in Jerusalem for more than 1300 years.

In an accessible and attractive way the writer explores topics such as the importance of food, the dilemma between worries and being a warrior, the value of language and poetry, views on patriarchy, feminism, family and community. In every essay she reframes stereotypes and clichés leading to surprising conclusions.

This collection was awarded the Jhalak Prize in the category Prose. The book proposal won the Royal Society of Literature Giles St Aubyn Award. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkHX9Tn2AHY

For me this book was the revelation of modern Palestinian prose of 2025 that is why I highly recommend the reading and look forward to discussing it with other readers. – Marianne Dagevos

The bookclub is not a year-month-long commitment, feel free to join any month you like! It is also okay if you have not read the book and would just like to join the conversation. There will be snacks and drinks available.

Entry is either €6 , or you can buy a copy of the book as entry. Sign up below!