Where the Sun Rises

"Where the Sun Rises is a novel told from alternating viewpoints of two childhood friends: Karin and Roza...It's a heart wrenching story of two women who give up everything to protect their families and the land that they love...Both women face heartbreaking losses and choose to fight for the YPJ out of fierce love for their families...This novel traces the journey two highly educated young women take to become tough, skillful militia fighters...Karin and Roza's courage will catch you and make you wonder at their ability to persevere. They are ordinary women who respond to extraordinary circumstances. I cried throughout this story, and what I took from the ending was that we all have the ability to fight for what we love when the situation demands it, though the cost we pay is very high." - Manhattan Book Review

"Where the Sun Rises is an ambitious,compassionate and powerful novel. Sensory memories accessed through scents and tastes are used brilliantly to evoke the physical strain, tenderness andrevulsion of war for female soldiers in the fight against ISIS. Their story deserves a far wider readership and Strong's achievement lies in her ability to take us into their dangerous world." - Dr. Toby Davidson, Lecturer, Macquarie University, Sydney.

"Powerful and credible. An eye-opener to a story werarely hear." Dr. Lynne Spender, UTS Lecturer, Sydney.

"A wonderfully unique read, highlighting the horrors of war while exploring the relationships between women determined to fight and protect their region. At times harrowing and heart-wrenching but also filled with hope. Well worth a read." Goodreads Reviewer Dawn Brookes.

"The beauty of this novel is in its rich exploration of the characters of Roza and Karin. Their story is told with compassion, feminine understanding and gentle humour. Suzanne Strong's skill and thorough research takes you deep into the lives and struggles of these Kurdish women in a memorable, compelling and emotionally touching read." Heather Preston.