The Sky is Concave

by Majeda Awawdeh

Born near Nazareth as a Palestinian citizen of Israel, Majeda Awawdeh learns early the limits imposed on her body, her voice and her dreams. After marrying at just seventeen to escape an increasingly stifling home life and continue her education, Majeda finds herself shouldering the double burden of occupation and patriarchy in another kind of prison. Armed only with singular determination, love for her three young children and passion for learning, she begins to redraw the boundaries of her reality. In The Sky Is Concave, Majeda recounts her journey through a childhood shaped by civil discrimination and rising religious conservatism to hard-won intellectual, financial and personal freedom as a scholar and award-winning educational entrepreneur in Australia. Written with fierce, poetic honesty, The Sky Is Concave is a testament to courage and reinvention. It is an unforgettable story of daring to question the limits of your world and reshaping your own sky.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2026

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful and impactful memoir, Majeda speaks about her experiences in a raw and honest way, but with this inner strength that shines through so clearly. I loved the way that her passion for mathematics weaves throughout, she uses various concepts as metaphors for her own experiences in such a clever way. This is a memoir that's going to stay with me for a long time.

[Mez Kreutzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible resilience, strength, vulnerability & intelligence - just some of the words I would use to describe Majeda. Thankyou for the reminding me that I have nothing to ever complain about and that we can all be grateful, even if just for a good flat white coffee ☕️

[Maissa Khalil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Majeda, your honesty, bravery and determination are something to be admired. Knowing you personally makes every word even more powerful and emotional. You haven’t just survived your story, you have reclaimed it. Loved the poets in Arabic

[Gary Vassallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read. Emotional, inspiring and educational. This memoir has it all. Loved the inclusion of mathematics. Highly recommended.