Bile Red

Donia Saleh

A traumatized woman, trapped within her own mind, and her niece, try to find remedy in each other’s company.

Shock wave treatment is the only thing that can spare Golan from the memories of blood flooding between the mountains, and all the men, the mothers, and the poppies. The naïve and innocent Aya, Golan’s niece, desperately seeks her love and attention, while Golan wants nothing more than to forget and wipe away all memories, seeking only a black void.

Golan leaves Aya clinging to her hand while receiving nothing but harsh and destructive love, it is all Golan has left. Aya regards her aunt with both horror and delight and tries to reminisce about their past, and her childhood while the loneliness creeps in and threatens to tear Aya apart. Who is she without the bold and powerful love that Golan used to shower her in, and demanded in return? If she is not meant to be Golan’s closest commandant, what’s her purpose? Who is her family? As she pushes further into Golan’s existence and Aya’s own loneliness, something inside her threatens to explode.

Bile Red is Donia Saleh’s second novel in which she continues to explore identity, trauma, and how an uncertain world can drive us all to the brink of madness. She has already established herself as an important and fresh voice in the Swedish literary sphere, with this novel only further implementing her talent.

Reviews for Bile Red:

’The form of the novel immerses you in Aya’s innermost thoughts and emotions. You are forced to confront every aspect of Aya and Golan’s lives, without the ability to turn away. It’s an intense read that demands your full attention, but the effort is definitely worth it.’

BTJ

Praise for Donia Saleh:

’Saleh can tell a story, write dialogue, depict and describe moods. Her language and form is already there.’
Dagens Nyheter

’Saleh’s writing is heartfelt and she has a good ear for emotional subtleties.’
Göteborgs-Posten