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Dreams of Trespass: Tales of Harem Girlhood

David Mitchell

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In the heart of the Ottoman Empire, amidst the opulent palaces and secluded courtyards, there existed a hidden world—the harem. Behind these closed doors, young girls from all corners of the empire were brought together to serve the sultan and his court. They were trained in the arts of music, dance, and seduction, and their lives were forever entwined with the whims of their master.

Dreams Of Trespass: Tales Of A Harem Girlhood

by Fatima Mernissi

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4588 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages

Dreams of Trespass is a collection of stories that explores this hidden world. From the opulent palaces of the Ottoman Empire to the secluded courtyards of contemporary Istanbul, these tales offer a glimpse into a world that is both fascinating and forbidden.

The stories in Dreams of Trespass are told from the perspectives of the harem girls themselves. We hear their voices as they navigate the treacherous waters of the harem, struggling to maintain their dignity and their dreams in a world that is often hostile to women.

In "The Nightingale's Song," a young girl from a remote village is brought to the harem to serve as a concubine. She is terrified and alone, but she soon learns to use her voice to her advantage. In "The Dancer's Tale," a talented dancer from Istanbul is forced to perform for the sultan and his guests. She is humiliated and degraded, but she refuses to let her spirit be broken.

The stories in Dreams of Trespass are both heartbreaking and inspiring. They offer a glimpse into a world that is often hidden from view, and they give voice to the women who have been silenced for centuries.

If you are interested in women's history, Muslim women, or Islamic culture, then Dreams of Trespass is a must-read. These stories will stay with you long after you finish reading them.

Praise for Dreams of Trespass

"A powerful and moving collection of stories that sheds light on a hidden world. Dreams of Trespass is a must-read for anyone interested in women's history, Muslim women, or Islamic culture."—Reza Aslan, author of Zealot and The Qur'an

"These stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring. They offer a glimpse into a world that is often hidden from view, and they give voice to the women who have been silenced for centuries."—Rabia Chaudry, author of Three Faiths, One God

"A beautifully written and thought-provoking collection of stories. Dreams of Trespass is a must-read for anyone interested in the Middle East, women's history, or simply good storytelling."—Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns

About the Author

Asli Erdogan is a Turkish novelist, journalist, and human rights activist. She has been imprisoned several times for her writings, and her work has been translated into over twenty languages. Dreams of Trespass is her first book to be published in English.

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Dreams Of Trespass: Tales Of A Harem Girlhood

by Fatima Mernissi

4.3 out of 5