An Evening with Monia Mazigh

Join us on Saturday, May 25 at 6 p.m. for an evening with Monia Mazigh, author of Gendered Islamophobia: My Journey With a Scar(f), a memoir that was shortlisted for the 2023 Governor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction.

The book describes the author’s struggles as a hijab-wearing Muslim woman, who was born and raised in Tunisia, where she attended university before coming to Quebec as an immigrant. It is “as revelatory as it is trenchant, and it is likewise a call to action against an insidious and nuanced kind of injustice,” according to a Quill & Quire review.

At this event, we’ll hear a reading from Mazigh, followed by a conversation between her and Libby Davies, former Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2015. This is a free event, but please register for your spot on this Eventbrite as capacity is limited. Books will be available for purchase.

About the author:

Monia Mazigh was born and raised in Tunisia and immigrated to Canada in 1991. She speaks Arabic, French, and English fluently and holds a doctorate in finance. Monia was catapulted onto the public stage in 2002 when her husband, Maher Arar, was deported to Syria where he was tortured and held without charge for over a year. She campaigned vigorously for her husband’s release and later fought to re-establish his reputation and sought reparations. Her book, Hope and Despair, details the account of the family’s ordeal. She is also the author of two novels, Mirrors and Mirages, and Hope Has Two Daughters. Another novel, Farida, is forthcoming. She lives in Ottawa.

More about Upstart & Crow:

Located on Granville Island, Upstart & Crow is a literary arts studio for curious readers and creative storytellers alike. We are international in our outlook, and local in our sensibilities. We create opportunities to surface new talent and champion bold ideas through events, workshops, literary launches, unique partnerships — and yes, we also sell books!

Health precautions:

We want this event to be fun and safe. Masks are welcome, though we won’t enforce them. We hope that folks who come will be vaccinated and boosted and will stay home if they feel ill.

Accessibility:

The main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees.

Questions: hello@upstartandcrow.com.