Short description
Leila's romantic dreams were shattered when she was forced by her father to marry a man she'd never met, fifteen years older than her, and whose language she couldn't understand. The husband she didn't love beat her regularly in an attempt to force her into submission. But, Leila fought back to regain her liberty and dignity. This is her story.
Long description
A devastating first-hand testimony exposing the cruel and widespread practice of forced marriage: 'I was twenty years old and dreamed of marrying for love.' Leila was born and brought up in France by Moroccan-born parents. But her romantic dreams were shattered when she was forced by her father to marry a man she'd never met, fifteen years older than her, and whose language she couldn't understand. The husband she didn't love beat her regularly in an attempt to force her into submission. But, with extraordinary courage, Leila fought back against the weight of family tradition to regain her liberty and dignity; and though it put her life in danger, she left her husband and later divorced him.
Review
'An excellent read, relaying the feelings and experiences of the author in a moving manner' Western Daily Press