CAM is thrilled to join up with Left Bank Books as they relaunch their reading group Read the Resistance for a special series inspired by the exhibition Stories of Resistance. Each month, a virtual discussion group will unpack the selected book through prompts and visual cues from artworks in the exhibition that inspired the book selection. 

July’s selection is Daughters of Smoke and Fire by Ava Homa. The unforgettable, haunting story of a young woman’s perilous fight for freedom and justice for her brother is the first novel published in English by a female Kurdish writer. The book was selected in response to Banu Cennetoğlu’s installation Gurbet’s Diary (27.07.1995–08.10.1997) (2016–17), on view as part of Stories of Resistance. The 145 lithographic limestone slabs in Cennetoğlu’s installation present the contents of the diary of Gurbetelli Ersöz, a Kurdish journalist who covered and ultimately joined the Kurdistan Workersʼ Party (PKK). The event is accompanied by the release of the Radio Resistance episode “Defiant Writing,” featuring Cennetoğlu and poet Treasure Shields Redmond.

You’re encouraged to participate even if you haven’t finished reading the book, or are planning to start! 

Books are available at CAM or Left Bank Books at our discounted reading group rate. Please email Shane at Shane.m@left-bank.com with any questions.