"Soufra is born!
Soufra. A feast.
A table full of food.
A place where women get together to cook,
to sell their meals, and to earn a living.
But it's more than that.
It's where they go to share stories,
to laugh hard, and to be themselves."
How often do we think about life in a refugee camp? The story of the Soufra catering company brings reality to readers; it is a reality hard to imagine. Mariam was born in the refugee camp, a Palestinian who is the daughter of refugees. Surrounded by walls in the Beirut camp the women have little. They have no work, no way of making their ideas known and lack hope for a future that is different.
Tired of the despair that plagues her days; Mariam dreams of change. In talking with the women in the camp, she finds a way to make a start. These women love to cook; they are good at it. First a kitchen, then ingredients, and after many calls, Soufra is up and running. As her dream becomes reality, she sees women who are changing before her eyes; for their children and families, for themselves.
Can she take Soufra beyond those walls that plague her? There is much to learn, and obstacles to overcome. As her story spreads, she finds support from around the world. It is time to find the truck that will make her dream come true. Her refugee status is a roadblock to success. It does not stop her. Facing failure, she looks to the proud women who make Soufra work. For two years she stumbles into more and more walls.
"But Mariam does it!
YES!"
An author's note provides further information about Mariam and the women of Soufra. A food glossary follows with descriptions and thumbnail sketches, as well as a note about refugees and refugee camps, and a selected bibliography. Ms. Avedikian's digital artwork provides a setting that is colorful, true to camp life, and forever moving forward to a lofty and successful goal.
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