Building on Holding Space and drawing on her rich Surinamese cultural tradition, academia and indigenous knowledge, Aminata Cairo presents the reader with her most personal book yet. In more than thirty, compact chapters, she opens up about intimate life experiences and shows us just how empowering stories are. No, not the kind of stories that are used for light entertainment – but the raw, honest, spiritual and joyous ones. Her stories are confronting, too, as they navigate the complexities of social justice, polarization, and change. In her book, she encourages us to share our stories, to hear all people and to listen without judgment. It is only then, that they can become a powerful vehicle to think deeply about ourselves, others, and the world. Reverberating with energy and wisdom, Cairo ultimately shows us that by embracing healing stories and letting go of unserving ones, we can begin the process of transformation and restoration.



Melissa Bremmer

Professor Arts Education

Amsterdam University of the Arts