Tell Her Story: The White Dove by Soma Devi

For Honour-Based Abuse Awareness Day, Amina MWRC hosted the Tell Her Story Exhibition in collaboration with Glasgow Women’s Library. At the exhibition, we were joined by Soma Devi, author of the White Dove, which tells her story of honour-based oppression and her journey to freedom and safety.

Read the blog by Soma Devi below.

I am absolutely delighted to connect with you through the pages of my debut novella, “The White Dove.” As a female BME author, I am profoundly committed to the incredible impact of storytelling. Through “The White Dove,” I aim to share a narrative that resonates deeply, offering readers a sense of connection, validation, inspiration and hope as they navigate their own journeys.

The significance of The White Dove in this story holds a special place in my heart. As a young teen, I painted this symbol of hope—a white dove—on a blank canvas, experiencing a taste of freedom as I unleashed my creativity. This painting became a beacon of hope for me, symbolising the possibility of liberation and self-expression.

It’s this profound connection to the white dove that inspired the title of my book.

Through Simrat’s journey and the symbolism of the white dove, I invite readers to explore themes of freedom, resilience, and the transformative power that we all hold.

This heartfelt story follows Simrat, a young Sikh girl raised in the bustling streets of Glasgow. Through her eyes, we explore the balance between tradition and personal aspirations, a journey that resonates deeply within my own experiences. Simrat navigates the complexities of her identity, living in British society as a British South Asian Indian, with its cultural expectations and the pursuit of her own dreams.

Her resilience shines through as she faces challenges, including an unexpected betrothal to a stranger who she is forced into marriage with. She leaves her home to live with a houseful of strangers, dealing with the challenges of a loveless marriage and the expectations from her in-laws. She faces abuse in many forms but amidst the hardships, she finds courage and hope. Her children give her the courage to escape and begin a new chapter in her life, filled with challenges and painful struggles.

The White Dove is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Through Simrat’s journey, readers are invited to reflect on themes of cultural identity, personal growth, the pursuit of liberation and freedom in the face of adversity.

Thank you for allowing me to share a piece of my heart with you. Let’s continue to inspire and uplift one another as we weave our stories into the beautiful tapestry of life.

With love and gratitude,

Soma Devi – Author of The White Dove