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Out of Darkness: Rumana Monzur's Journey through Betrayal, Tyranny and Abuse
From the bestselling author of The Concubine’s Children and The Girl in the Picture , a political, social and cultural portrait of domestic abuse in times of cultural turmoil, and the Bangladeshi woman whose irrepressible spirit found light in sudden darkness.
From the outside, Rumana seemed an unlikely victim of domestic well educated, married to a man of her own choosing, and progressing in her career as a professor of international relations at Dhaka University. But in 2011, on return from graduate studies at the University of British Columbia, her husband attacked and blinded her in front of their young daughter. As Rumana's horrifying story garnered international headlines, and connections brought her to Vancouver in an attempt—ultimately futile—to restore her sight, her plight underscored the fact that there are no typical victims of intimate-partner violence.
Denise Chong goes behind the headlines to reveal the devolution of a love story into a tale of tyranny behind closed doors, and the pursuit of justice that proved all the more elusive during the rise of social media. Out of Darkness tells a globe-spanning narrative of loyalty, perseverance and a woman’s determination to face the future and rebuild a life with meaning.
From the outside, Rumana seemed an unlikely victim of domestic well educated, married to a man of her own choosing, and progressing in her career as a professor of international relations at Dhaka University. But in 2011, on return from graduate studies at the University of British Columbia, her husband attacked and blinded her in front of their young daughter. As Rumana's horrifying story garnered international headlines, and connections brought her to Vancouver in an attempt—ultimately futile—to restore her sight, her plight underscored the fact that there are no typical victims of intimate-partner violence.
Denise Chong goes behind the headlines to reveal the devolution of a love story into a tale of tyranny behind closed doors, and the pursuit of justice that proved all the more elusive during the rise of social media. Out of Darkness tells a globe-spanning narrative of loyalty, perseverance and a woman’s determination to face the future and rebuild a life with meaning.
328 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2024
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98 people want to read
About the author
Denise Chong
10 books39 followersDenise Chong is an award-winning author whose work portrays the lives of ordinary people caught in the eye of history. Best known for her family memoir, The Concubine’s Children; The Girl in the Picture about the napalm girl of the Vietnam War; and Egg on Mao, a story of love and defiance in China of 1989, she lives in Ottawa.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 25, 2024
A tragic story which I vaguely recall from the time. While the story itself is of critical importance, I think this book missed the mark in afew ways.
This book only found itself in the last third - the last 100 pages or so. It’s only at that point in the telling - and I use “telling” very deliberately also - that the book finds what it should be. Up until that point, it was a pretty basic read documenting her life.
Which of course - seeing as this is billed as “non-fiction” - raises all sorts of red flags and warning bells about how scenes/memories could be so clearly and fulsomely re-created from such a long time ago.
In the last third we get to the event - the attack - and the aftermath. When we get to this point we do get some - and I mean some - positioning of the discussion within the broader context of violence against women.
Personally, I think that the structure of the book is all wrong.
Instead of taking us - pretty much chronologically - through Rumana’s life, the book needed to have used Rumana’s ‘case’ as illustrative of the bigger picture.
The first two-thirds of the book needed to have been thrown out. The last third needed to have been more fully enveloped within a gendered historical, cultural and global lens.
Some of the earlier bits could have been incorporated by way of example to illustrate the points wanting to be made.
And certainly, while there is limited discussion of the impact/use/influence of social media on what happened in the aftermath of the attack, there needed to be a much deeper dive into how social media interacts with both culture and gender constructs to oppress women and keep them in violent domestic relationships..
One thing that did elicit a wry chuckle while reading - that Sumon was found dead on December 6th.
Not that that date has the same significance in Bangladesh, but… still….
Notwithstanding my criticisms above, I still recommend this book as an important contribution to a body of literature that maybe, one day, will actually help us see our way out of this quagmire where the bodies and minds of women (and girls) are so feared and de-valued.
3.5 rounded up to 4
This book only found itself in the last third - the last 100 pages or so. It’s only at that point in the telling - and I use “telling” very deliberately also - that the book finds what it should be. Up until that point, it was a pretty basic read documenting her life.
Which of course - seeing as this is billed as “non-fiction” - raises all sorts of red flags and warning bells about how scenes/memories could be so clearly and fulsomely re-created from such a long time ago.
In the last third we get to the event - the attack - and the aftermath. When we get to this point we do get some - and I mean some - positioning of the discussion within the broader context of violence against women.
Personally, I think that the structure of the book is all wrong.
Instead of taking us - pretty much chronologically - through Rumana’s life, the book needed to have used Rumana’s ‘case’ as illustrative of the bigger picture.
The first two-thirds of the book needed to have been thrown out. The last third needed to have been more fully enveloped within a gendered historical, cultural and global lens.
Some of the earlier bits could have been incorporated by way of example to illustrate the points wanting to be made.
And certainly, while there is limited discussion of the impact/use/influence of social media on what happened in the aftermath of the attack, there needed to be a much deeper dive into how social media interacts with both culture and gender constructs to oppress women and keep them in violent domestic relationships..
One thing that did elicit a wry chuckle while reading - that Sumon was found dead on December 6th.
Not that that date has the same significance in Bangladesh, but… still….
Notwithstanding my criticisms above, I still recommend this book as an important contribution to a body of literature that maybe, one day, will actually help us see our way out of this quagmire where the bodies and minds of women (and girls) are so feared and de-valued.
3.5 rounded up to 4
August 15, 2024
I found this book a frustrating read that did not make the most of the opportunity to shine a light on the massive, generally ignored and under-reported issue of domestic violence. So many unanswered questions, and a missed opportunity from the author, who so thoroughly researched Rumana’s life to comment on why and how such a well-educated woman from a stable, living home could successfully hide years of abuse. Why didn’t she speak up? Seek help? See the risk her clearly unstable and increasingly violent husband was for their daughter, Anusheh? Why didn’t her family or close friends spot the tell tale signs of abuse? So many chances to stop the madness before the final, life-threatening assault.
The first 2/3rds of the book is a very dry biography of a Bangladeshi girl, Rumana Monzur. Her family background, her childhood and her marriage, at a very young age to Sumon, the son of her father’s best friend. A love match, not an arranged marriage. The author completely absents herself from the story - there are no opinions and the writing style lacks any emotional engagement or depth. It is all told in a matter of fact, unemotional way with no speculation, explanation or opinion.
The final, horrific attack is utterly shocking, again described with a lack of emotion. The book then takes off as we learn how different the ‘justice’ system is in Bangladesh. The fact that families have to fight so hard for terrible crimes to even be acknowledged by police was truly troubling to me. How there needed to be a publicity ‘war’ to spur the police to hunt Sumon down and arrest him, in the face of political pressure to leave it be as a ‘private family matter’ rather than the criminal act that is was. How Rumana’s family sought specialized treatment first in India and then in Canada to no avail.
Rumana’s eyes were so badly damaged that she was permanently blinded. It took time for her to adjust to her new reality, recover and restart her studies at UBC, ultimately moving to Canada with her immediate family, still fearing reprisals in Bangladesh. Justice was never really served as Sumon was found dead in prison while awaiting trial. Clearly he was murdered, but this is not explained, or speculated upon at all.
The book peters out with Rumana finishing a law degree and starting work for a Canadian law firm. We don’t ever really know how she feels about anything much, or if she looks back with introspection at the many choices she did and did not make in this (from the outset) abusive marriage. How she feels about her in-laws coaching her to accept the casual violence, how or why she never confided in her parents, extended family or close friends. All the chances that would have or could have protected her.
The first 2/3rds of the book is a very dry biography of a Bangladeshi girl, Rumana Monzur. Her family background, her childhood and her marriage, at a very young age to Sumon, the son of her father’s best friend. A love match, not an arranged marriage. The author completely absents herself from the story - there are no opinions and the writing style lacks any emotional engagement or depth. It is all told in a matter of fact, unemotional way with no speculation, explanation or opinion.
The final, horrific attack is utterly shocking, again described with a lack of emotion. The book then takes off as we learn how different the ‘justice’ system is in Bangladesh. The fact that families have to fight so hard for terrible crimes to even be acknowledged by police was truly troubling to me. How there needed to be a publicity ‘war’ to spur the police to hunt Sumon down and arrest him, in the face of political pressure to leave it be as a ‘private family matter’ rather than the criminal act that is was. How Rumana’s family sought specialized treatment first in India and then in Canada to no avail.
Rumana’s eyes were so badly damaged that she was permanently blinded. It took time for her to adjust to her new reality, recover and restart her studies at UBC, ultimately moving to Canada with her immediate family, still fearing reprisals in Bangladesh. Justice was never really served as Sumon was found dead in prison while awaiting trial. Clearly he was murdered, but this is not explained, or speculated upon at all.
The book peters out with Rumana finishing a law degree and starting work for a Canadian law firm. We don’t ever really know how she feels about anything much, or if she looks back with introspection at the many choices she did and did not make in this (from the outset) abusive marriage. How she feels about her in-laws coaching her to accept the casual violence, how or why she never confided in her parents, extended family or close friends. All the chances that would have or could have protected her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
This book was really hard to get through for me because it hit so close to home but it perfectly captures the deep domestic violence issues that happen and is intertwined within Bengali culture. All the men in this book are so aggravating disappointing and cowardly. Rumina and her husband (who deserves the worst) are both products of their environment and upbringing. It was aggrevating to see how her father and father in law handled the situation and even more aggrevating to see how even though she was the one who was beaten , and blinded the men still made themselves to be the victims. I have a lot of thoughts on this book and I don’t know how to rate it really because Ngl it was kinda traumatic to read but I’ll give it a 5 stars because I think it does a good job in writing, describing the suffocating and nonsensical nature of Bengali society imposed on women and I believe truthfully captures how so many people believe violence against a women is justified if she does not follow the ridiculous and impossible rules imposed on her by society/ religion. If a women is unfaithful (which rumina was not , also she honestly has full right to be because her loser shit hole husband was abusing her physically and mentally) then she deserves to be killed. Rumina hiding the abuse and falling for love bombing also completely makes sense. She was raised completely isolated from the other gender, her worth and value was based on how obedient and studious she was. She wasn’t taught to value herself or stand up to herself , she wasn’t taught what a healthy relationship looks like , she was taught to obey and respect her elders. She wasn’t taught that making waves ud bad that fighting is bad that disobedience is wrong , that she is responsible for her ex husband’s behaviour. Her ex husband was the only one who acknowledged her intellect of course she was susceptible to his love bombing and she was probably chasing that high of his love bombing at the very start. Not to mention her awful mother in law who normalized being beaten saying it’s a part of marriage. God this book was so triggering just cuz I was surrounded by those very rules and those very type of people who normalized this atrocious behaviour. This book was triggering , but also validating and eye opening. God it was a lot , I have so much hate in my heart for everyone who watched her suffer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
Denise Chong’s Out of Darkness tells the harrowing true story of Rumana Monzur, a highly educated woman and professor from Bangladesh whose life was shattered by a brutal act of domestic violence in 2011, which left her permanently blind. The book goes beyond the sensational headlines to explore the complex themes of betrayal, tyranny within a marriage, and the difficulty of finding justice, especially in a politically sensitive environment. Ultimately, it is a powerful and deeply moving testament to human resilience, detailing Rumana’s incredible journey to rebuild her life—moving to Vancouver, attending law school, and becoming an advocate for other victims—proving that even in the face of profound tragedy, the human spirit can find a new kind of light and purpose.
January 16, 2026
The story of a woman from Bangladesh who just wants to study and have a good life. Her life is altered when she agrees to marry the son of a family friend, and he isn't what she anticipated.
Trigger warning: Domestic abuse
This book is extremely upsetting and hard to read. I try to respect cultural differences, but I cannot accept the ones that say abuse is okay, that women are to blame for men's unhappiness, or that saving face is more important than the well being of people.
Read as an audiobook.
Trigger warning: Domestic abuse
This book is extremely upsetting and hard to read. I try to respect cultural differences, but I cannot accept the ones that say abuse is okay, that women are to blame for men's unhappiness, or that saving face is more important than the well being of people.
Read as an audiobook.
May 17, 2024
Really sad and disturbing... well written though.
June 5, 2025
A thorough portrayal of a horrific story.
November 2, 2024
Picture This: Rumana Monzur's harrowing journey of survival and resilience as she faces betrayal, domestic abuse, and the challenges of rebuilding her life after escaping a tyrannical relationship.
Thoughts: "Out of Darkness" by Denise Chong is a powerful and gripping account of Rumana Monzur's incredible journey through unimaginable challenges. It delves deep into her experiences with betrayal and abuse, painting a vivid picture of her resilience and strength. What struck me most was how the book doesn't just focus on the dark moments but also highlights Rumana's courage in reclaiming her life. Chong's storytelling makes you feel every emotion, pulling you into Rumana's world and making you root for her every step of the way. It's a compelling read that really sheds light on issues many face but often go unspoken. Highly recommend it!
Read Next: In Exile (Sadiya Ansari), The Sound of Gravel (Ruth Wariner), The Knowing (Tanya Talaga)
Thoughts: "Out of Darkness" by Denise Chong is a powerful and gripping account of Rumana Monzur's incredible journey through unimaginable challenges. It delves deep into her experiences with betrayal and abuse, painting a vivid picture of her resilience and strength. What struck me most was how the book doesn't just focus on the dark moments but also highlights Rumana's courage in reclaiming her life. Chong's storytelling makes you feel every emotion, pulling you into Rumana's world and making you root for her every step of the way. It's a compelling read that really sheds light on issues many face but often go unspoken. Highly recommend it!
Read Next: In Exile (Sadiya Ansari), The Sound of Gravel (Ruth Wariner), The Knowing (Tanya Talaga)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews