NEWS & BLOG

Our latest literary adventure (complete with tea, biscuits and strong opinions) is The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak, a moving novel that intertwines the life of the 13th-century poet Rumi with that of a contemporary American woman. Its themes of love, spiritual growth, and transformation have resonated deeply with our group – many of whom are navigating new lives far from home.

Beyond the story itself, the act of reading together has become a transformative experience. For many community members, English is a new or developing language. Thanks to our book club leaders and renowned authors Anna Perera and Catherine Davidson, who have facilitated a supportive environment (since 2018!), reading aloud has helped build not just fluency, but confidence.

As Mia shared with us, “The first time I ever read in English was here”. Reading out loud in this group, she said, “gives me courage and makes me feel brave.”

Book club meetings offer more than just practice with vocabulary or grammar. It is a space where everyone’s voice matters, where shared reflection turns literature into a bridge which connects all different backgrounds through empathy, imagination, and conversation. Best put by another regular attendee, Mo; “book club is about very different people with different perspectives reading the same book.”

In a time when refugees and people seeking asylum often face isolation and uncertainty, a book club may seem like a small thing. But week by week and page by page, it continues to build confidence, community, and growth.

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Nita Gula is a communications volunteer at West London Welcome.