June 2024 read: Waiting to be arrested at night by Tahir H. Izgil

This month, my literary journey immerses me in the poignant reflections of a Uyghur writer, unveiling a life lived under constant surveillance and highlighting the quiet resilience of the human spirit. With little time for reading, my choice was minimalistic, yet the weight of this memoir filled that space entirely. A single voice, recounting experiences both deeply personal and politically urgent, shaped my reading days—brief moments stolen between tasks, yet impossible to set aside completely.

Waiting to Be Arrested at Night: A Uyghur Poet's Memoir of China’s Genocide by Tahir Hamut Izgil

German title: In Erwartung meiner nächtlichen Verhaftung: Uigurische Notizen

In this poignant collection of reflections by the Uyghur writer Tahir Hamut Izgil, each page reveals the stark realities of life under oppressive surveillance and the resilience found in quiet defiance. As I journeyed through these deeply personal notes, I was struck by the profound strength and subtle beauty that emerged from the author’s words. The narrative doesn’t simply recount the hardships faced; it breathes life into the everyday acts of courage and resistance that define the human spirit. This book led me to reflect on the silent struggles and enduring hope that resonate far beyond the confines of its pages, offering a deeply moving perspective on resilience and the fight for dignity.