A Promise to Nadia: A True Story of a British Slave in the Yemen

by Zana Muhsen, Andrew Crofts

Ten years ago Zana Muhsen escaped from the life of slavery in the Yemen into which her father had sold her as a child bride, leaving behind her baby son, her sister Nadia, and Nadia's two small children. As she described so powerfully in her book Sold, Zana made a solemn vow to Nadia that she would do everything she possibly could obtain their freedom as well. This book tells the story of those ten years; of the family's lone campaign against the Yemeni authorities; of the refusal of their own government in London to help; and of the despair that forced them into a desperate deal with an unofficial military-style organization specializing in the recovery of abducted children.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Middle East, Memoir, Autobiography, True Crime, Feminism

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Zana Muhsen is a British author who has written about the experiences that she and her sister, Nadia (born 1966), went through when they were sent from their birthplace in Birmingham, England to Yemen in 1980 on a purported holiday to meet the paternal side of their family, but sold unaware into marriage in by their father, Muthanna Muhsen, a Yemeni émigré.



Newspaper :
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http://web.archive.org/web/2008010914...

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http://www.independent.ie/world-news/...

Reviews

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to the international bestseller,Sold,which I haven't read.Another sob story about how rough the lot of Arab women is supposed to be.

The author and her sister Nadia,were the daughters of a Yemeni father and an English mother.When they were teenagers,their father took them to Yemen to marry them to Yemeni husbands.

After eight years in a Yemeni village,the author was able to return to England,though she had to leave her son behind.Her sister Nadia stayed behind in Yemen.

This is the story of the author's efforts to bring Nadia and her six children to England.Her first book,Sold,brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties.

Then,she says that she gave the bulk of it to a bunch of Americans who claimed that they would bring Nadia back,through a commando style hostage rescue operation.Was she that gullible ?

After that,the author became bankrupt and had to rely on government welfare.She hadn't paid any taxes either.

The self righteous tone is jarring.Only the author and her mother and sister are good people,everyone else is bad.

Particular scorn is reserved for those in Yemen and her own father.The British government comes in for plenty of flak too,for failing to free Nadia.Later,even the host of the TV show highlighting their story,cannot escape her wrath.

As the book concludes,Nadia stays in Yemen.Maybe this book was another attempt by the author to get some fat royalty cheques again,but seems it did not come off this time.

All the same,I found it fairly interesting,despite its drawbacks.

[Rehab Qasim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even though this book is written in an easy to follow, smooth language, made me wonder what was the point of writing a second book when all that had to be said was said in the first book "Sold", there is a thin line between criticizing a specific condition and criticizing the whole nation for a single faulty. The on going dilemma of linking violence to Islam without understanding the basics.

[Diane in Australia · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1980 Zana Muhsen, 15, and her sister Nadia, 14, were abducted from their Birmingham, England home and sold into marriage in the Yemen, in the Arabian peninsula of Asia. Zana was allowed back eight years later, after a public outcry. But she had to leave behind her baby son, her sister Nadia, and Nadia's two small children. She has already written a book about the years in Yemen entitled Sold, and this book is a follow-up, telling of the continued fight to save Nadia.

Frankly, there wasn't much in this book. It would have been better suited as a magazine article. But Zana wrote the book to try to keep her sister's plight in the public eye.

3 Stars = I'm glad I read it.

[Maitane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esta es la continuación de "Vendidas", que narraba las vivencias de la escritora entre 1980 y 1988 en Yemen.

En esta novela describe todo lo que sucedió en los 10 años siguientes, en Inglaterra, Francia y Yemen. Está narrado de una forma muy amena, es como estar hablando con una amiga que te cuenta sus últimos años de vida. Prácticamente se lee solo aunque en realidad no cuenta nada especialmente interesante y en algún momento puede resultar algo monótono.

De todas formas remueve por dentro y te deja con la sensación de… ¿De verdad pertenezco a una sociedad "avanzada"?

[Hidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Almost nothing happens in this book.

The whole book could have been condensed into a few pages

[Sıla Filiz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yazarın ilk kitabı ''Annemi bir kez daha görebilsem''i severek ve heyecanla okudum. Cevaplanması gereken sorular ve çözümlenmesi gereken problemler vardı. İkinci bir devam kitabının olduğunu öğrenince gözlerim parladı ve hemen aldım. ikinci kitap, birinci kitabın havada kalan hiç bir sorusunu cevaplandırmadığı gibi beni boğdu. Ticari kaygılar ve maddi unsurlar için yazıldığına tamamiyle emin oldum. Açık konuşmak gerekirse, zana'nın annesinin evliliği ve ya kitabın sonunda çocukların halı üstünde ev ödevlerini yapması beni pek ilgilendirmiyor. Nadia'ya noldu kurtulabildi mi ? Şu an nasıl bir hayat sürüyor bunların hiç birinin cevabı bu kitapta yok. Arap kadın ve erkekleri canavar olarak lanse edilmiş, ha o toplumdan pek haz etmesemde, bu tarz canavarlaştırılmalarına da kusura bakmasın karşıyım. Hiç bir çocuk kundağındayken iyi bir insan mı yoksa kötü mü olacağı bilinmez. Tekrar altını çizerek belirtmek gerekirse, birinci kitabın baskısından iyi gelir sağlayan, yazarın ikinci kitaptanda bu başarıyı sağlamayı ummasıyla yazdığı kitap.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book. This is the second book, I think that this book really wrapped me around the book. It made me feel the annoyance and anger that Zana felt. When Zana felt anger, I could feel anger rising within me too. Her story is horrifying and sad, and this book and her first one (sold) both really capture the story. I really used visualizing in this book because the way that she explained her story made e visualize her hardships she went through. Visualizing helped me by being able to feel in her shoes.

[Bianca · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me, this was a much-awaited continuation of the first book, "Sold." But this was a total let-down. I was interested to see if Nadia was freed or what had happened since Zana Muhsen wrote the original book. This continuing story is not nearly as heart-rending or riveting, and there's not all that much action. Not surprisingly - it's more about Zana's battle against government entities, her media relations, etc. and it's a seemingly sad, unending battle at that.

[Felicia A Sullivan]

I read this in one sitting this evening....just came in the mail today from Bookmooch. Sad.....and another book I cannot rate with a number of stars. It's someone's actual LIFE and deserves more than stars.

[Shahrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book summarised the story begun in Sold (by these authors) & Without Mercy (Sold's companion book, written by Zana's Mother), then brings everything up to date (as of 2000). Having very recently read the two previous books, I was disappointed by the large amount of recapping. But considering the time gaps when the books were originally published, I see it was necessary.

I felt Zana was missing from Sold. However, in this one it feels like time has done some healing a was able to be more open, which filled the pages of this book with her. She is very candid and honest about her life, which must have been very hard. It made for much more interesting reading. She answered many of the questions which sprang to mind whilst reading the previous books.

She also brings up some very valid points about why her and Nadia were not helped immediately. And why all their attempts to get anywhere are constantly thwarted. It really feels like a conspiracy against them. Makes me wonder what's going on that we don't know about.

The heart breaking thing for me in all of this was Nadia. She was no closer to being free by the end of the book. I've been doing some digging online, which has generated mixed messages. Some sources say she was free, and others dispute it. What did surprise me was the lack of any real information at all. No website to generate support or share updates. Nothing from the family. Zana and her mother both said they would never stop until Nadia is free... so does the current silence mean she is? It would just be nice know their years and years of dedication to the cause finally paid off.

Something else that has puzzled me is there is no trace at all of the charity her mother mentions starting in Without Mercy (of which there is no mention at all in this book - surprising, as it seemed a bit of a feature Without Mercy).

[Mullmuzzler · Rating 4 out of 5]

La continuación de la estremecedora historia contada por Zana Muhsen en su libro "Vendidas", explicando los sucesos posteriores a la publicación del primer libro, dando detalle sobre las actividades realizadas para cumplir la promesa a Nadia (la cual no comentaré para no dar spoliers). Un libro solo recomendado para quienes hayan leído el primero. Sin ser pretencioso en su redacción, explica de manera clara y bien escrita en general, la forma en que la burocracia, la corrupción e indiferencia está presente por parte de las autoridades aún en países del primer mundo como Inglaterra, donde se da prioridad muchas veces a temas importantes pero que no requieren un esfuerzo tan apremiante (a nivel gobierno) como la contaminación o el derecho de los animales (lo cual obvio son temas muy importantes pero que muchas veces solo toman acciones políticas o dejan a grupos independientes hacerse cargo de ello), cuando hay problemas tan graves en el mundo como la esclavitud de personas, la trata de niños y la violencia a la mujer, las cuales creemos o fingimos que no son situaciones tan graves en esta época, pero que es una realidad en la cual los gobiernos deberían intervenir ya que tienen la fuerza y los medios. Este libro solo es un caso de los miles existentes, hay miles de historias similares como lo ha documentado Lydia Cacho en sus obras, pero parece ser que los gobiernos siguen con la venda en los ojos a su conveniencia. Desgarradora historia sin duda alguna, le doy 4 estrellas a este libro no por su calidad literaria, sino por hacer extensivo el problema y ser una voz destaca en este mundo de arbitrariedades y violencia.

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Si has leído Vendidas pues merece la pena saber que es lo que ha pasado en la lucha para intentar liberar a Nadia. Ya no hay mucho sobre Nadia en las redes, un mensaje del editor de Vendidas diciendo al público que Nadia y sus hijos están en Inglaterra. Lo dudo y mucho. No hay nada, ni una foto, ni una entrevista, ni un comentario de Zana sobre su hermana? Imposible. Me pregunto hoy, 8 diciembre 2021, que ha pasado con Nadia? Han pasado ya más de 30 años. Que habrá pasado con esta pobre chica que no ha tenido vida pero si esperanza? Que historia más triste, que mundo más hipócrita...

[Saskia 'follow my shoes' Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like i said on the previous book in the series, this really touches on how badly women are treat in countries like Yemen and just how far behind the times they are. Its a great read, you feel what the writers is trying to put across, along with the mix of emotions, incl being trapped, escaping and her sister opting to stay behind and tolerate the rape, beatings and abuse because of her children. Its a heartfelt true life story and well worth the read.

[Lu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book kind of unecessary... of course it explained what had happened ever since Sold (the first book) had been published ! The book answered many of my questions but I felt as if it could be summarized in a couple of pages and that it was only written in an attempt to make some more money ! I just hope Nadia is able to get home safe and sound !

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better written logistically than the first book. Not sure what I was expecting as I had already google'd the outcome of Nadia's story. Not as heart-wrenching as "Sold" but still an interesting follow-up of all the behind the scenes.

[Pure · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a follow up to the book SOLD and is truly remarkable in the efforts of this lady to free her sister that is still in yemen living in horrible conditions against her will, it is really a touching story of sisterly love .I LOVE THIS BOOK

[Badriya · Rating 2 out of 5]

this is the continuation of the first book
when I looked at the writers instagram page I noticed that on 2015 her sister was free again

[Irene Azuaje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinceramente en este libro pasé mucha rabia, en especial con los que deberían proteger a los ciudadanos.
Pero no, simplemente prefieren hacer como que nada está sucediendo.

[Sabi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ripetitiva nelle descrizioni, deludente

[Daisy Honeywell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book after reading Sold! by Zana Muhsen. Most of us know the story of Zana and Nadia, that were sold as slaves in Yemen and forced to became wives of two yemenis in one of the most poor villages. They had children, were treated like beasts, were sexualy and psychologically abused and were separeted from their home - country, England. After 8 years of agony and drama, finally Zana was liberated but not Nadia. Before Zana left, she promised to Nadia, her sister, that she will help her to be free again.
After almost 20 years from that promise, Nadia was still in Yemen.
In this easy to read book Zana narrates everything she did to help her sister ( interviews, television appaerances, all the people she contacted ... ) Also her mother and her bother Mo, plus a bunch of friends, helped her but ... mostly, Zana and her family were contacted by people that gave them false promises.
The realationship among Zana and Nadia is very touching. I have a sister aswell and I could not accept to be separeted by her. What Zana feels for Nadia is so sweet and I think everyone would love this strong relationship. Zana kept her promise alive, and did her best to help Nadia.
This book is frustrating because the governments - both the english and the Yemen's one - didn't do anything to help Nadia. Luckily the audience was touched by the story of those 2 sisters but the important people couldn't care less.
This book opens the eyes of all the people that did not know anything about modern slavery and honestly, I think it is a shame that the humans are called the most intelligent of the world.
Humans are stupid and do nasty things or horrible things to other humans. What the yemenis did to Nadia and Zana is awful! Honestly, I am proud to say that i don' t understand their way to be.Nadia stopped to live happy because of other humans, what? and nobody wanted to help her ... that's unbelievable, but this is true!

This book is an easy to read book and if the first one was more of a story in this one I felt to have a chat with Zana. The book is also very touching and let people realize in which world in live in.
I really enjoyed Zana; I think that she is very strong and she is a very good woman.

I heard that Nadia is safe now, back in Englad. But should I call safe a woman that when was a kid of 14 y . o was sold by her own father? A girl that was raped and tortured? A girl that grew up far from her family, that had no rights and was treated as a slave for more than 20 years?

I don't think so. I just hope that Nadia and Zana are happy now, but we should not forget that there are other girls that now are suffering their same destiny.

[Fernanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Después de leer 'Vendidas' y 'sin compasión' este libro me pareció menos trabajado en la narración sin embargo cumple con en objetivo de informar sobre la burocracia y la discriminación que hoy día continúan ejerciendo en contra de las personas que no tienen poder ni influencia; me quedo con una sabor amargo acompañado de impotencia por una causa que parece no tener un final y me deja consternada; la lectura me pareció lenta tanto por el texto como por la avalancha de emociones que generó en mi; es una tristeza que el mundo tenga tan marcada una linea y que no haya empatia en quienes pueden solucionar este tipo de problemas que se dan en todos los países; la esclavitud se manifiesta en diversas formas

[chucklesthescot · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of Zana and Nadia continues and is equally as shocking as the first book. Zana is now safe at home in the UK and campaigning in the media for the release of her sister who is still in Yemen with her children. Attempts to meet Nadia are thwarted and she is being forced to say that she wants to stay when it is clear that she wants to come home. Even sections of the media seem to think that Zana should just forget her campaign.
It shocked me that this saga was still going on with no prospect of Nadia's release, and Zana seemed to be facing new obstacles everywhere she turned. It made me angry that our government seemed completely helpless!

[sam sam blank · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a follow up to the book SOLD and is truly remarkable in the efforts of Zana to free her sister Nadia that is still in yemen living in horrible conditions against her will, it is really a touching story of sisterly love. I personally think Zana needs to move on with her life! There's no way those narrow minded man she's surrounded by will ever let her go. Nadia also seems content in her life.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Als je 'Nog eenmaal mijn moeder zien' hebt gelezen moet je dit boek wel lezen. Een heel mooi boek waar echte liefde van moeder en zus naar voren komt. Het is een boek die je van begin tot het eind aan spreekt en helaas komt dit maar al te veel voor. Een aanrader!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow up to keep people updated. Sad to discover how long ago this book was written though, we need another updated update! :)
The book did cover a lot of the same ground and I felt I was reading a lot of the same things over and over, however considering that this is non-fiction, Zana DID go through the same situations over and over again, having her hopes dashed time after time, so it read true to life.

[Bachyboy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should put more stars cos I appreciate and sympathise with the subject of this book and the huge effort she went to get her sister Nadia out of Yemen. Can't help feeling that the British Govt let them all down.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I brought this in a bind up deal and I'm so glad I got the teo books together because I was desperate to know what happened to Zana and Nadia. Very moving I made the mistake of googling Zana to see if there was an update should have done that aftetr I finsihed the book.
Glad I read it

[Constantina · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intresting yet saddening update about the story of Zana Muhsen's sister,Nadia. The level of indifference and corruption of the British government and other people of power described by Z.Muhsen was quite scandalous.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking true story about two sisters sold into marriage by their father when they were only 14 and 15 years old.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read the book and i cried, its bad to read this and it makes my angry that nobody can do anything for this familie. i will pray for them tonight