Book tells all about Muslim women and maids
A DURBAN woman has written a book on the lives of a group of Muslim women living in a block of flats.
Quraisha Dawood’s debut fiction novel, titled Stirring the Pot, is a vibrant tale of madams and maids, women and their husbands, children, grandchildren and in-laws, a world bristling with life and vitality, amid judgements and forgiveness, secrets and lies, expectations and disappointments.
The idea for the book was as a result of Dawood’s Master’s thesis which was based on the relationships between Muslim “madams” and their “maids”.
“It turned into such a rich, intricate work, that I wanted to share it with the public in a more accessible, enjoyable way,” she said.
“So the journey to transform it into a work of fiction began then, about nine years ago.
“I felt it was a subject we don’t often read about and it encompasses elements of womanhood, humour and conflict.
“Often, domestic workers become like part of the family, but they never really are family,” said Dawood.
She described the friendships between the women as intricate as the curling patterns of henna tattoos.
Meet old Aunty Ruki, who lives with her domestic worker, Joyce, an arrangement that ruffles many feathers. There’s Zaina, who has her sights on becoming an architect, and her mother Rabia, a florist, and yes, she’s divorced. Zaina hides a secret that could cause a rift in their relationship: his name is Imraan, and dating him simply isn’t allowed.
Between each chapter in the 250page book is a recipe.
“Food is an integral part of the Muslim Indian identity in Durban as well as a point of contention or cohesion between madams and maids. Some of the recipes incorporated into the book include chicken jalfrezi, mango lassi, kheer etc.”
Dawood, a research manager at a private higher education institution in Durban North, has written poetry, short stories and non-fiction.
Her book, Almost Me, was launched in 2020 and it deals with her journey through miscarriage, post-partum
Stirring the Pot will be available from tomorrow in bookstores: Wordsworth Books: R290 and at Exclusive Books: R267.