Safe Return Doubtful

Bangladesh – Published May 2026

Set on a small island off the coast of Bangladesh, this short and essential novel tells the story of a community of women who have been tricked, kidnapped or sold by their poverty stricken families into a life of prostitution. They face a life of unthinkable horrors, yet somehow to maintain their dignity and protect those children that are born to them through what in effect is rape.

The arrival of a young woman, Kusum Khan, gives them some hope however. Kusum speaks of revolution and encourages the women to resist and fight back.

Though rarely easy to read, this is an essential and timely novel that brings attention to the terrifying injustices happening in a country where the authorities have done little.

My GoodReads Rating 4 / 5