Stolen: Escape from Syria: A Mother’s Terrifying Journey to Rescue her Kidnapped Child

In this intense memoir, Monahan undertakes a terrifying journey to rescue her daughter following the child’s kidnapping by her father. Their treacherous trek out of war-torn Syria into Lebanon to safety was suspenseful. But it is the staggering physical and psychological abuse Monahan suffered during her relationship with her ex-husband Mostafa that is the most disquieting aspect of her narrative. A native of Ireland and a successful sales consultant, Monahan was living in Cyprus when she met her future husband. Early on there were signs of trouble: At one point Mostafa nearly killed her—she’d discovered he had a wife and children in Syria. Still, Monahan continued the destructive relationship and acknowledged the absurdity of her actions: “It was a stupid way of looking at life, but I knew no other, so I just endured what I had to, as long as it didn’t affect my child.” Following the couple’s divorce, her ex-husband kidnapped their daughter taking her into war-ravaged Syria. Monahan bravely recounts this intimate family disaster with hopes her story will spark discussions about the rights of women in Muslim societies. (June)