“Dempster’s story is fast-paced and brings the gruesome realities of war to life. The book is a delicate, well-judged balance of dialogue and description... It’s an often chilling and eye-opening work that should be widely read... An affecting novel of oppression and liberation.”
—Kirkus Review READ FULL REVIEW
“The horrific sagas of men at war have long provided the basic ingredients for powerful dramatic literature, but Kim Dempster’s The Color of Mourning gives us rare insight into the plight of women who are trapped in the abyss of death, repression, jihad, and devastation… A powerful first novel.”
—Craig Unger - Bestselling author of six books on the assault on democracy.
“I could not put this book down and became invested in the story of the women in Syria during the civil war. Stripped of basic freedoms, this thought provoking book gives the reader vivid descriptions of their lives and the daily terror faced. A powerful book!”
—Suzy Approved Book Reviews
“A devastating yet incredibly powerful story of two women trying to survive amidst the civil war in Syria. As we are given a glimpse into life for many women caught in countries in similar conflicts, I was deeply moved, angered, and horrified by all these women had to endure.
This book gripped me and grabbed hold of my heart. While it does describe life under an oppressive regime, daily violence, and the rise of insurgent forces, the author's skillful storytelling interweaves the bonds of family and friendship, making it a story of not only war and terror but also one of humanity.
I was in awe of these women’s courage, determination, and bravery. It put many things in perspective for me. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the human experiences in war, particularly the struggles of women. This is an important and eye-opening read that will leave a lasting impact on you.”
—Susan Ballard – @subakkabookstuff
“Set in the war torn city of Raqqa during the Syrian civil war, Mourning is a story about love, loss, and the extraordinary strength women have when they are desperately fighting for their autonomy. Nooda, an intrepid journalist who is chronicling the harsh realities of the war, and her daughter Layal, a young woman who dreams of a better future, are repeatedly forced into excruciating situations as their family is torn apart.
Filled with raw emotion and vivid detail, Dempster’s Mourning is an unforgettable novel that pays tribute to the resilience of women and their enduring fight for justice.
This book is incredibly powerful and draws you in from the very first page. The bravery and courage these women find to survive the fear, uncertainty, and horrors that are happening is immeasurable and my heart wept for their circumstances and their lives irrevocably changed.
Well-written and completely absorbing this novel created a very visceral reaction in me and should be a must read for everyone.”
—Lisa Albright – @BooksLoveAndUnderstanding
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁?
”An intensely emotional journey into the very real world of today where women are confronted by fanatic religious fundamentalists in an existential fight for freedom.
Brutal, emotional, and deeply powerful. The Color of Mourning is a raw and unforgettable story of love, loss, and resilience. Set against the horrors of war, not that easy to read at times, it’s a heartbreaking tribute to the strength of women. A tough but necessary read.”
—Vero - @BooksandCoffeeMx
“Set in the devastated Syrian city of Raqqa during the height of the civil war, The Color of Mourning follows the intertwined lives of Nooda, a courageous journalist determined to bear witness to the horrors of war, and her daughter Layal, a young woman with aspirations for a brighter, freer future. As religious fundamentalism tightens its grip on the region, mother and daughter face escalating threats to their freedom, safety, and family bonds. The novel captures the emotional and physical toll of life under an oppressive regime, offering a deeply human look at the consequences of extremism and the unyielding will of women to survive and resist.”
—Michelle Jocson - @NurseBookie
“I couldn’t put this book down. It was a quick and face paced drama about a family in Syria in 2011 that becomes trapped once the extremists take over their town of Raqqa.
The book focuses mostly on mother and daughter, Nooda and Layal.
There were times I had to remind myself that this was fiction. It is a testament to the strength and determination of women that become suppressed in a blink of an eye.
Nooda is a journalist and Layal is an eighteen year old who was on her way to study in London. Life changes and these women become cut off from the world. They must adapt to survive while at the same time they are always looking to escape.”
—Debbie Elkins Rozier – @Rozierreadsandwine
“This must read is well crafted from a debut author! I could not put this book down and became invested in the story of the women in Syria during the civil war. Stripped of basic freedoms, this thought provoking book gives the reader vivid descriptions of their lives and the daily terror faced. A powerful book!”
—Suzanne Leopold – @SuzyApprovedBookTour