Everything We Thought Was Beautiful: Interviews with Radical Palestinian Women

by Shoal Collective (Editor)

Palestinian women are an essential - often silenced - part of global struggles for freedom. They are at the forefront of the anti-colonial struggle against Israel's occupation of their lands, as well as being comrades in intersecting movements worldwide. This series of interviews with Palestinian women living across Palestine and in the diaspora include a journalist on the front line of resistance against settlers and the Israeli army in the West Bank, a BDS activist, a doctor exposing Israel's deliberate targeting of medical infrastructure as part of its genocidal assault on Gaza, an organiser who critiques the Palestinian Authority's repression of social media and those making their voices heard in the diaspora, and others. Everything We Thought Was Interviews with Radical Palestinian Women broadcasts these women's struggles in their own words and on all fronts - against colonialism, white supremacy, conservatism, patriarchy, state control - and Israel's occupation. They discuss their politics, the fight for freedom, and their hope for the future. Complied by Shoal Collective, a co-operative of independent writers and researchers writing for social justice and a world beyond capitalism, the voices include Ayah AlGhazzawi, Lina Nabulsy, Samah Fadil, Diana Khwaelid, Shahd Abusalama, Sireen Khudairy, Lama Suleiman, Shrouq Aila, Rana Abu Rahmah, Shatha Abu Srour, Ghada Hamdan, Mona Al-Farra, and Faiza Abu Shamsiyah with a Foreword by Huwaida Arraf.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Laura]

“This collection of intervies offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the lived experiences, convictions, and dreams of women who are not merely participants in a broader movement but central architects of resistance.” The interviews span 2018 to 2025, and include diverse women – some living in Palestine and some living in diaspora, representing a range of professions, activist experiences, and intersectional identities.

In addition to the interviews themselves, the book includes a map showing the locations of each contributor’s home, a chronology of events (from Ottoman rule up to mid-2025 when the book was published), a list of geographical terms + place names, a glossary, and a list of Palestinian movements (political entities, organizations, etc).

Content warnings: violence, war, genocide, sexual violence, torture, gun violence, racism, colonization

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Governments kill our hopes. They make us live like rats in offices, digging in holes and searching for money. Part of the way they destroy us is to take away our hopes. But the reality is that miracles happen every day. People need to realise that there is nothing left, no hope for our children, if we don’t fight. The planet is screaming, ‘Enough, I’m done’."

[Jennifer Abdo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an honor to get to know all the women. I think (one of) the most fascinating was the last one who described her work documenting Israeli war crimes on camera with both international and grassroots organizations. Maybe one day there will be some measure of justice, and better yet, equality and freedom.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great set of interviews representing female perspectives in an area where we are often led to believe that there are no female voices, or that female voices are completely marginalized by religious extremism. That is at best, an oversimplification, and at worst, a deliberate bias.

[Trine · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️🇵🇸❤️

[R A K · Rating 5 out of 5]

should be read by more people
first favourite of the year