Comfort Zones: women writers tackling unfamiliar ground in aid of Women for Women International

by Sonder & Tell

Yomi Adegoke, Zing Tsjeng, Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff and Pandora Sykes are among a group of women writers that have contributed to the anthology Comfort Zones. In a series of essays, letters and stories, the writers tackle themes and forms that are brave, vulnerable and new. All profits will go to the charity Women for Women International.

Broadcaster Lindsey Hilsum says goodbye to her late friend Marie Colvin in a heartfelt letter, journalist Emma Gannon reflects on the life lessons she has learned at the age of 30, while author Poorna Bell details her path to finding happiness in her own company, from that of a dark, bottomless chasm into a dazzlingly bright portal lit with endless possibility. Elsewhere Mina Holland of The Guardian considers her relationship with her parents on the eve of becoming a mother, and novelist Elizabeth Day considers the meaning of success: A lot of the time it will feel like failure, like a challenge that needs to be overcome.

Contributors have donated their time and skills bring this collection together. All profits will go to the charity Women for Women International, who work with at-risk women in countries affected by conflict and war.

The collection has been curated by content agency Sonder & Tell and published by British fashion brand Jigsaw, with stories by:

Alice-Azania Jarvis, Ana Santi, Anna Jones, Ariane Sherine, Brita Fernandez Schmidt, Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, Daisy Buchanan, Elizabeth Day, Emma Gannon, Farrah Storr, Funmi Fetto, Gillian Orr, Irenosen Okojie, Lindsey Hilsum, Marianne Power, Mina Holland, Natasha Lunn, Nellie Eden, Olivia Sudjic, Pandora Sykes, Phoebe Lovatt, Poorna Bell, Sophie Mackintosh, Sophie Wilkinson, Tahmina Begum, Vicky Spratt, Yomi Adegoke, Zing Tsjeng

Genres: Essays, Nonfiction, Feminism, Self Help, Womens

144 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2019

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could easily have rushed through this beautiful anthology of essays, but instead I found myself dipping in and out, savouring each piece. A wonderful project (all proceeds go towards Women for Women International) featuring stories and essays that I think will stay with me for quite some time.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic collection of short stories and essays written by women, for women. There's some great snippets of advice and some essays I just nodded along with and thought 'yes, someone else with a similar experience'. A book I wish had been available when I was in my early 20's but so glad it's here now. Definitely worth a read. I read it in 36 hours - such a joy to read.

[Eleni Spanou (Overtheplace) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short essays (letters, lists, some fiction, an interview) from British women writers on their discomfort zones edited by the agency Sonder and Tell and published by the shop Jigsaw with the proceeds going to the Women for Women International.

My favorite ones were:

Why I Want to be Rich, by Marianne Power
**On Toughening Up, by Daisy Buchanan**
Conversations with my Mother, by Alice-Azania Jarvis
Dear Marie, by Linsay Hilsum
Books for my Daughter, by Pandora Sykes
Dare to Do, by Vicky Spratt
The Beauty of Sitting Still, by Tahmina Begum

Interesting read, especially when you start to follow everything these women have written.

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a new-found appreciation for short stories and non-fiction essays in collections like this.
All the money for this book also goes to the Women for Women International charity which is a charity set up to help women in warzones.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

starts off a little preachy but gets better and better the more you read. The stories are at their peak when the writers are the most vulnerable, exploring their unique experiences always encapsulated by universal truths. The relationships section was my favourite, loved every single story.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Particularly like the ones about learning to be comfortable in being still and the art of being alone.

[Humayra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book everyone needs in their lives and on their shelves.

This heartwarming collection of essays was an absolute delight to read and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone in need of advice, comfort and inspiration. It truly is a hug and a cup of tea in paperback form.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a couple of standouts but I found most of the essays in this collection disappointingly bland. Not to say other readers won’t get anything out of them, though.

[Elspeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an anthology of short stories written by women for Women for Women International. It's published by Jigsaw who give the full £9.99 to the charity - impressive and essential corporate responsibility. It's also creative and thoughtful. Although occasionally I found the messages a little preachy / twee every story had me hooked and some top advice in there. I wanted to quote loads of bits to friends and many of the authors I was already exposed to through various podcasts, instagram etc many I have since looked up. The cover design isnt my favourite which surprised me as I normally really like Jigsaw's style. I will definitely recommend and probably buy it as a gift for many people. I hope this isnt the last charitable book for Jigsaw.

[Rona · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extraordinary, superb and life enhancing read! The book is written by a series of women, mostly taking this chance to write something out of character for them. So perhaps fiction when they are a journalist, or about a subject they have never faced before. There are some real gems, some inspiring and profound moments in this book, and I will always be grateful to my friend for giving me this amazing book.

[Irrawaddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had this by my bedstand and would read a couple stories here and there until I FINALLY finished it! This will be one of those books I'll probably keep by my bedstand forever and continue to reread, lots of great pearls of advice for the 20-30 something year old woman. This is also one of those books that every person should share with their mom, sister, best friend, co-worker. Everyone will have something to relate to.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book of boundary-pushing essays written by influential and thoughtful women. I particularly enjoyed how each writer was encouraged to tackle either the opposite of their usual writing preferences or something entirely new. I would recommend this, as well as the ethos it enshrines of constantly living on the edge of what feels comfortable and normal to you!

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible little book of short essays! The kind of book you would probably not actively seek out in a book shop, but one that comes as a recommendation from a friend. All essays are well written and there is a paragraph that moves you and teaches you something in every single chapter. A true hidden gem.

[Donatella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of essays written by British female artists. The publisher challenged each woman to step out of her comfort zone and write about something she doesn’t usually choose as her topic.

[Caro Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a pep-cheering cuddle. I enjoyed it immensely, indicated by the fact that I got it in actual book form and it gets a keeper shelf spot.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual and thought provoking read.

[Nathalie Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for a twenty-something year old.

[Tahmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

you’d be a fool to miss this

[Hannah Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Something I want to save and share with my future daughter so she can learn something from these inspirational and beautiful women.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the cause this book was made for and enjoyed it. An easy relaxed read with lots of variety and things to leave you thinking long after you put the book down.

[Morgan Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful anthology that I am eager to return to.

[Rosie McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

[Ellie Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this. Quite deep, really made me think about different topics, and put me out of my own comfort zone a bit!!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to DNF this so bad.
If you’re a millennial you will love this though.

[Tilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful mix of essays and stories. Every single one was either enjoyable or relatable. Can see myself going back to this in the future for sure

[Alexia Stratemeier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concept and there were some enjoyable and insightful pieces. Unfortunately quite a few essays barely deserved to be FB/blog posts rather than printed in a book.