DigeeBooks

The story of a child refugee who faced her fears, found her home and accidentally made historyWhen she was just nine, Golriz Ghahraman and her parents were forced to flee their home in Iran. After a terrifying and uncertain journey, they landed in Auckland where they were able to seek asylum and - ultimately - create a new life.In this open and intimate account, Ghahraman talks about making a home in Aotearoa New Zealand, her work as a human rights lawyer, her United Nations missions, and how she became the first refugee to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament.Passionate and unflinching, Know Your Place is a story about breaking barriers, and the daily challenges of prejudice that shape the lives of women and minorities. At its heart, it's about overcoming fear, about family, and about finding a place to belong.

Know Your Place: Essays on Fear, belonging, and the search for home by Golriz Ghahraman is a thought-provoking and deeply personal collection of essays that explore the intersections of identity, belonging, and the search for a place to call home.

Ghahraman, a New Zealand politician of Iranian heritage, candidly shares her own experiences with racism, discrimination, and the challenges of navigating two cultures. She delves into the complex emotions of feeling like an outsider, the yearning for acceptance, and the resilience required to find a sense of belonging amidst adversity.

With raw honesty and vulnerability, Ghahraman weaves together personal anecdotes, historical context, and insightful observations on contemporary social issues to illuminate the often-overlooked realities of immigrants, women, and minorities. She challenges readers to confront their own biases and privileges, encourages empathy, and advocates for a more just and inclusive society.

Throughout the essays, Ghahraman eloquently explores themes of identity, family, community, and the power of storytelling. She reflects on the importance of knowing one's history, celebrating diversity, and fostering connections across cultural and social divides.

Know Your Place is a powerful and moving read that offers a unique perspective on the human experience. Ghahraman's writing is both insightful and accessible, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of identity, belonging, and the search for home.