A Mouth Full of Salt

In A Mouth Full of Salt, the lives of women in North Sudan reflect a nation on the brink of change, navigating tradition and transformation.

In A Mouth Full of Salt, readers are taken on a journey through a country at a crossroads, where women begin to challenge age-old traditions and rewrite their own destinies. Set against the backdrop of 1970s North Sudan, the story unfolds in a village plagued by tragedy after the drowning of a young boy. As the community grapples with loss, strange occurrences like the sudden death of camels and devastating fires fuel rumors of a sorceress from the Nuba mountains. While the men of the village struggle to find work, the women face their own unique challenges, all while the children play along the unpredictable banks of the Nile, a river that gives life but also takes it away.

The narrative then shifts back to the 1950s, introducing Nyamakeem, a resilient 33-year-old single mother navigating the complexities of a society that often sidelines women, especially those from South Sudan. As civil war looms, her life in Khartoum becomes increasingly precarious, prompting her to return to the village in search of safety and stability. This juxtaposition of past and present highlights the struggles and strength of women in a rapidly changing landscape.

Ultimately, A Mouth Full of Salt is a poignant exploration of resilience and transformation, illuminating the voices of women who are determined to forge their own paths amidst societal upheaval. Reem Gaafar's debut novel captures the essence of a nation on the brink, revealing the power of choice and the importance of rewriting one’s own narrative.