by Tia Janowski
‘All the Women She Knows’ by Tutku Barbaros dropped on the 15th of February and features 11 short stories that are relatable and empowering to women everywhere.
In this triumphant exploration of womanhood, Tutku Barbaros introduces us to eight dynamic characters at the crossroads of their lives.
Centred around “Stories of Growth, Change and Sisterhood,” Barboros delves into the intricate lives of her characters, addressing universal challenges faced by women- whether it’s navigating the complexities of relationships, confronting difficult decisions, or embracing the empowering act of choosing yourself.
This tapestry of stories includes Ash, who grapples with the realisation that a friend who keeps her waiting might not be worth her patience, and Ruby, whose return home leads to a transformation from chaos to clarity. ‘All the Women She Knows’ also includes stories about bending under the weight of societal expectations, enduring profound loss and discovering that you can’t outrun yourself.
Tutku Barbaros, a writer of Turkish Cypriot heritage from southeast London and an alumna of the Royal Court Writer's Programme, brings a wealth of experience to her debut novel.
Her play, "Layla and Youssef," gained recognition when it was longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize and the Paines Plough Women's Prize for Playwriting. When asked about ‘All The Women She Knows,’ Barbaros said, "For the last couple of years, amazing women keep showing up in my head. Before I know it, they grab me by the hand and lead me into their world."
Nonetheless, the novel is not just a collection of stories, it’s a profound exploration of the female experience, where growth and self-discovery intersect with the complexities of relationships. Barbaros believes that through her writing, she can connect with the essence of sisterhood and the transformative power of self-discovery.
Published by Dear Damsels, a publishing house committed to providing free and inclusive opportunities for women writers, ‘All the Women She Knows’ is their fifth publication, chosen through an open submission period. Supported by public funding from the Arts Council England, this remarkable collection was selected from around 80 submissions for its outstanding quality and unique narrative.
Abby and Bridie, publishers at Dear Damsels, remarked, “Tutku’s writing is truly one-of-a-kind.” Describing the books as a “love letter to women finding their own paths,” they anticipate that these stories will serve as a strong reminder for readers to always choose themselves.
‘All The Women She Knows’ is available now on the Dear Damsels website - or you can just click here.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to embark on this transformative journey with Tutku Barbaros as she navigates the intricacies of womanhood, growth and the enduring power of sisterhood.
Edited by Emily Duff