A Dry Wind Indeed

• Book: Harmattan
• Location: Niamey, Niger
• Author: Gavin Weston

I felt like a helpless bystander, reading Haoua’s story and watching this brave, resourceful, and loving child succumb to the injustice of her world. Gavin Weston’s skill at capturing the feel of this world, the texture of Haoua’s family life, the friendships, hopes, and sorrows of a girl forced to grow up too fast made me care deeply about the women of Niger.

This book is not for the armchair traveller. It’s more of an exposé, its fictional heroine a stand-in for all too many child brides in rural West Africa.

Back to book