Safiya Hussaini Tungar Tudu: I, Safiya

Reviewed by MARGIE THOMSON

Safiya is the Nigerian woman who made international headlines three years ago when she was sentenced by a Sharia court to death by stoning, her crime being that she was pregnant outside of marriage.

This is the extraordinary story of her life: already dismissed by three husbands, she was then betrayed by her lover who denied knowing her and thus easily escaped any responsibility.

At first compelled to run away (but where to?) Safiya eventually returns to her village to fight "until the end, and never give in to fear and despair".

Italian journalist Masto easily bridges the vast cultural gap between his readers and this African village woman: we meet her as curious, lively and very brave.

With Raffaele Masto

Publisher: Macmillan

Price: $34.95