I Who Have Never Known Men

Synopsis

Discover the haunting, heartbreaking post-apocalyptic tale of female friendship and intimacy set in a deserted world.

Deep underground, thirty-nine women are kept in isolation in a cage. Above ground, a world awaits. Has it been abandoned? Devastated by a virus?

Watched over by guards, the women have no memory of how they got there, no notion of time, and only vague recollection of their lives before. But, as the burn of electric light merges day into night and numberless years pass, a young girl - the fortieth prisoner - sits alone and outcast in the corner.

Soon she will show herself to be the key to the others' escape and survival in the strange world that awaits them above ground. The woman who will never know men.


WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY SOPHIE MACKINTOSH, MAN BOOKER PRIZE-LONGLISTED AUTHOR OF THE WATER CURE

Summary

Chapter 1: Coming to Tangier

Naima, a young Moroccan woman from a rural village, arrives in the bustling city of Tangier. She has left her home and family behind in search of a better life. She finds work as a maid in the home of a wealthy widow.

Chapter 2: A New World

Naima is fascinated by the city's vibrant culture and cosmopolitan atmosphere. She meets Fatima, a fellow Moroccan woman who becomes her friend and guide. Fatima teaches her about the dangers of Tangier and the importance of trusting her instincts.

Chapter 3: The Widow

The widow is a demanding and cruel mistress. She treats Naima like a slave, forcing her to work long hours for little pay. Naima begins to feel trapped and isolated in the widow's home.

Chapter 4: A Chance Encounter

One day, Naima meets a kind and handsome man named Driss. Driss offers her his friendship and support, and Naima begins to feel a sense of belonging in the city.

Chapter 5: A Dangerous Game

Naima becomes involved in a dangerous game of love and betrayal. She agrees to help Driss smuggle drugs into Morocco, but she soon learns that she is playing with fire.

Chapter 6: The Price of Freedom

Naima is arrested for her involvement in the drug smuggling operation. She is sentenced to prison, where she faces the harsh realities of life behind bars.

Chapter 7: Redemption

After serving her sentence, Naima returns to Tangier a changed woman. She has learned the value of independence and the importance of standing up for herself. She finds a new job and begins to build a new life for herself.

Chapter 8: A New Beginning

Naima meets a young man named Ahmed, who falls in love with her. Ahmed accepts her for who she is, and Naima finally finds happiness and peace.

Real Example

Naima's story is a reflection of the real-life experiences of many Moroccan women who have left their rural villages in search of a better life in the city. These women often face discrimination and exploitation, and they may be forced to make difficult choices in order to survive. However, like Naima, many of these women are also resilient and determined to create a better future for themselves.