What the War Left Behind: Women's Stories of Resistance and Struggle in Lebanon

by Malek Abisaab, Michelle Hartman, Caline Nasrallah (Translator)

Conspicuously missing from narratives of the Lebanese Civil War are the stories of women who took part in daily social activism and political advocacy during the tumultuous conflict. What the War Left Behind gives voice to their stories, with eight women sharing their experiences of healing through hardship. What the War Left Behind brings together oral histories from a range of political affiliations, socioeconomic classes, and religious identities to present an alternative image of women during war, one highlighting the actions of those who sought to make life better for themselves and their neighbors during conflict. By centering women’s voices in the war, Abisaab and Hartman present a new perspective on an oft-discussed historical era, demonstrating the power of resistance during tumultuous times. These translated interviews showcase the active roles women take during violence and how women’s political lives in Lebanon didn’t end the moment war began.

Genres: Lebanon

288 pages, Hardcover

Published May 15, 2024

Reviews

[Ava Jast]

I’ve been meaning to be read this for the longest time so i’m glad I was finally able to, especially because the prof who runs my seminar wrote the book. Being able to speak with her about the process of taking the interviews for this book and translating them, as well as delving into why she was inclined to create an oral history and include certain stories really added to my experience of reading the text! Overall, it feels kind of strange to rate the women’s stories themselves, but my experience in reading the text alongside my prof was really great and the text was moving and inspiring.

[halia]

4.5; feels weird to rate bc these are the women’s stories, so instead i’ll comment on the editing/tl work…

really a very engaging read. layout makes narrative sense and each story flows into the next without the translation making their voices bleed together…

read for class