Books

Well Read: Rumana Monzur, subject of “Out of Darkness”

by Sara Harowitz on April 24th, 2024 at 12:53 PM
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      In 2011, Rumana Monzur was a master’s student at UBC when everything changed.

      In order to finalize the divorce from her abusive husband, she flew home to Dhaka, Bangladesh—where her husband attacked and blinded her. In front of her daughter.

      After recovering in hospital (though her sight did not come back) for just one month, she officially moved to Vancouver with her daughter and parents to start life anew. She graduated from law school at UBC in 2017 and has been practicing ever since, with a focus on women and people with disabilities.

      It’s an incredible story, and it’s now been documented in detail by author Denise Chong in Out of Darkness: Rumana Monzur’s Journey through Betrayal, Tyranny and Abuse. Here, Monzur shares some of her reading habits and literary go-tos.

      Tell us about yourself.

      I’m someone who always wants to celebrate life.

      What’s something you want everyone to know about you?

      I’m someone who doesn’t know how or when to quit. When I was reading the book on my own life, it was amazing how I could see my own transition.

      What are you currently reading?

      I’m reading my own book.

      What’s your favourite book to give as a gift?

      Right now, if I were to give a book out, it would be my own!

      How would you describe your book tastes?

      I love romantic novels, thrillers, and adventures.

      What’s one book you can’t wait to read? 

      The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

      What’s one book you thought you’d love but didn’t (or vice versa)?

      I really enjoyed The Lord of the Rings books by J.R.R. Tolkein; I didn’t think I would like them.

      Favourite book store in Vancouver?

      UBC Bookstore.

      Favourite local author?

      I haven’t read many Canadian authors, but my favourite childhood author is Buddhadeb Guha.

      Controversial: are you someone who has to finish every book you start, or can you abandon ones that aren’t working for you?

      I’m one of those who finishes every book I start.

      What’s one book you wish you wrote?

      The Sherlock Holmes series.

      Where’s your favourite place in Vancouver to read?  

      Spanish Banks. 

      Denise Chong, the author of Out of Darkness about Monzur’s life, will be discussing the book at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch (Alice MacKay Room) on April 27 at 2pm.

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