This is my book with short chapters which talks about how I found a genuine love in NYC after all the struggles and heartbreak. I was inspired to write a book with short chapters without revealing names of any characters.
The notion underlying this project developed from narratives that resonated with my personal experiences, specifically “Roses in the Mouth of a Lion” by Bushra Rehman and the poignant comics created by Yao Xiao. Each of these works has made a lasting impression on me. “Roses in the Mouth of a Lion” particularly engaged my interest through its concise and powerful chapters. The author wove her personal experiences into a narrative that speaks universally, making her story feel like it was written particularly for people like me. Razia, the main character, finds it very hard to open up to her parents, especially when it comes to love and other personal issues. This feeling really resonated with me.
This project is a response to that silence, a tool to finally be able to voice the feelings I have held inside for a long time. The work of Yao Xiao also played a part in the creation of this project. Her comics capture the complexity of emotions, especially the longing for understanding and for contact. They remind me that when there is no one to talk to, writing becomes a safe space to turn to.
I use writing as a way to explore parts of who I am that are frequently hidden in conversations. It offers an approach for processing feelings, remembering love, and overcoming the pain that comes with it. This project aspires for a connection with the forces that shaped it. It aims to tell a story that is real and emotional, especially for those who have struggled to articulate their deepest emotions. In the same way as “Roses in the Mouth of a Lion” and Yao Xiao’s comics have touched me, I wish to create a work that speaks to others by blending these influences with my personal experiences. To me, this is more than simply a project; it’s a meditation on the value of longing for connection in a world where love frequently feels unattainable but well worth the risk.