Drawing on her own extraordinary experiences as well as on political and historical events, this collection brings together for the first time some of her finest writings - on war, politics, sexism, martyrdom, the arts, censorship, exile and the city. Essays sit alongside short stories, poetry, plays and letters, all enlivened with her signature humour and enduring compassion.

'Mai Ghoussoub weaved together elements of her Arab heritage and an avant-garde sensibility to make bold, provocative statements as a publisher, author, sculptor, journalist and playwright.' - The New York Times < p /> 'An independent-minded, courageous and rebellious woman.' - The Times

'A tour de force in Arab literature and letters. A writer, artist and publisher who took her passion for life, controversy and feminism to the strets of Beirut and London.' - The Guardian