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Winter of My Spring
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26Perfect for readers of The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré, a searing and timely novel of survival, resilience, and reclaiming identity in the face of unthinkable adversity.
Set in the Lower Shabeele region of Somalia, Winter of My Spring is a story of what happens to Rada and her friends Mika and Sara after they are kidnapped by Al-Shabaab and forced to become child brides. For months, the girls live in fear and endure the harshest of conditions among their extremist kidnappers—but after Rada and Mika see Sara die as a suicide bomber, they know they must escape.
After running away from their captors, Rada and Mika manage to return home, only to find themselves rejected by their community because they’ve “known a man’s bed” and are therefore, according to their customs, considered ruined and broken women.
Winter of My Spring explores what happens to kidnapped girls during their captivity and after they survive the violence and abuse of their abductors. Like the protagonist in Call Her Freedom, by Tara Dorabji, Rada and Mika are forced to navigate a world that denies them autonomy, yet they find resilience and hope in the process of healing and self-discovery.
Set in the Lower Shabeele region of Somalia, Winter of My Spring is a story of what happens to Rada and her friends Mika and Sara after they are kidnapped by Al-Shabaab and forced to become child brides. For months, the girls live in fear and endure the harshest of conditions among their extremist kidnappers—but after Rada and Mika see Sara die as a suicide bomber, they know they must escape.
After running away from their captors, Rada and Mika manage to return home, only to find themselves rejected by their community because they’ve “known a man’s bed” and are therefore, according to their customs, considered ruined and broken women.
Winter of My Spring explores what happens to kidnapped girls during their captivity and after they survive the violence and abuse of their abductors. Like the protagonist in Call Her Freedom, by Tara Dorabji, Rada and Mika are forced to navigate a world that denies them autonomy, yet they find resilience and hope in the process of healing and self-discovery.
- GenresFiction
296 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 21, 2026
Thanks to Booksparks for the gifted copy. All opinions below are my own.
Rada, Mika and Sara are innocent, sheltered young girls living in a small village in Somalia when they are kidnapped by an extremist group. Their captor believes he is saving them from their lives and bringing them closer to god. At 12 years old, Rada is forced to marry despite her every protest and hope that her father will save her. These girls go through terrible horrors at the hands of their captors, and each reacts differently. We see a mix of full-on resistance and hope contrasted with Stockholm Syndrome and acceptance. It's not a spoiler, as it's in the synopsis, but Rada makes it home. But then she experiences a whole new level of horror as the religious leaders of her community blame her and want her to "do the right thing" and live with her husband, her captor. Her parents fight the village and she discovers that this is not the first time this has happened in her family.
The way this story is told is so engaging. Within a few chapters I was so invested in Rada and her friends' fate. I wanted to judge with my western ideals and yet the author made it easy to understand the complexities of the culture and how these situations unfold. I agree with all of the comparisons to The Girl with the Louding Voice, like Adunni, Rada is a broken bird who rises like a Phoenix even as life deals her blow after blow. There is such hope in an entirely hopeless situation. Very powerful read that I'm sure will end up one of my favorites of the year.
Rada, Mika and Sara are innocent, sheltered young girls living in a small village in Somalia when they are kidnapped by an extremist group. Their captor believes he is saving them from their lives and bringing them closer to god. At 12 years old, Rada is forced to marry despite her every protest and hope that her father will save her. These girls go through terrible horrors at the hands of their captors, and each reacts differently. We see a mix of full-on resistance and hope contrasted with Stockholm Syndrome and acceptance. It's not a spoiler, as it's in the synopsis, but Rada makes it home. But then she experiences a whole new level of horror as the religious leaders of her community blame her and want her to "do the right thing" and live with her husband, her captor. Her parents fight the village and she discovers that this is not the first time this has happened in her family.
The way this story is told is so engaging. Within a few chapters I was so invested in Rada and her friends' fate. I wanted to judge with my western ideals and yet the author made it easy to understand the complexities of the culture and how these situations unfold. I agree with all of the comparisons to The Girl with the Louding Voice, like Adunni, Rada is a broken bird who rises like a Phoenix even as life deals her blow after blow. There is such hope in an entirely hopeless situation. Very powerful read that I'm sure will end up one of my favorites of the year.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Winter of My Spring is a harrowing and necessary novel about survival, loss, and the long shadow violence casts even after escape. Set in Somalia’s Lower Shabeele region, Abdi Kusow tells the story of Rada and her friends with unflinching honesty, centering the lived reality of girls whose bodies and futures are claimed by forces far beyond their control.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its focus on after. While the kidnapping and captivity are devastating, Kusow does not stop at survival alone. Rada and Mika’s return home—met not with comfort, but with rejection—exposes another form of cruelty: a society that punishes victims for what was done to them. The idea that girls are deemed “ruined” for having endured abuse is explored with painful clarity, underscoring how cultural shame can be as imprisoning as physical captivity.
Rada is a compelling protagonist, defined by defiance and inner resolve even when stripped of autonomy. Her resistance, contrasted with Sara’s tragic indoctrination, illustrates the complex psychological toll of extremist manipulation without flattening any of the girls into symbols. The presence of Shaban, who weaponizes religion to justify violence, is chilling precisely because he is portrayed through the fear and confusion of the children trapped under his authority.
Kusow writes with emotional urgency, capturing the terror, isolation, and hopelessness of the girls’ circumstances. While the prose at times could benefit from greater polish, the storytelling itself is deeply effective. The emotional weight of the narrative carries the reader through moments that are difficult but essential to witness, never losing sight of the humanity at the center of the story.
Ultimately, Winter of My Spring is a powerful examination of what it means to reclaim identity in a world determined to deny it. It is a novel about endurance—not just in escaping violence, but in surviving the aftermath of it. Timely, sobering, and compassionate, this book contributes meaningfully to conversations about gender, extremism, and the cost of survival when freedom comes without acceptance.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its focus on after. While the kidnapping and captivity are devastating, Kusow does not stop at survival alone. Rada and Mika’s return home—met not with comfort, but with rejection—exposes another form of cruelty: a society that punishes victims for what was done to them. The idea that girls are deemed “ruined” for having endured abuse is explored with painful clarity, underscoring how cultural shame can be as imprisoning as physical captivity.
Rada is a compelling protagonist, defined by defiance and inner resolve even when stripped of autonomy. Her resistance, contrasted with Sara’s tragic indoctrination, illustrates the complex psychological toll of extremist manipulation without flattening any of the girls into symbols. The presence of Shaban, who weaponizes religion to justify violence, is chilling precisely because he is portrayed through the fear and confusion of the children trapped under his authority.
Kusow writes with emotional urgency, capturing the terror, isolation, and hopelessness of the girls’ circumstances. While the prose at times could benefit from greater polish, the storytelling itself is deeply effective. The emotional weight of the narrative carries the reader through moments that are difficult but essential to witness, never losing sight of the humanity at the center of the story.
Ultimately, Winter of My Spring is a powerful examination of what it means to reclaim identity in a world determined to deny it. It is a novel about endurance—not just in escaping violence, but in surviving the aftermath of it. Timely, sobering, and compassionate, this book contributes meaningfully to conversations about gender, extremism, and the cost of survival when freedom comes without acceptance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a story about survival, girlhood under extreme pressure, and trauma. Set in Somalia, it follows 3 young girls whose lives are violently disrupted, forcing them to navigate fear, resilience, and impossible circumstances.
I strongly recommend going into this book blind. The blurb reveals far too much, in my opinion.
Winter of My Spring is fast-paced and plot-driven, with limited character exploration and emotions told in a more straightforward style. The strongest part is the second half, especially the final third, which is what ultimately made the book work for me.
Kusow does a great job of painting a vivid picture of a place, lives, and events that don’t often appear in mainstream commercial fiction. She captures the terror, hopelessness, and suffocating pressure of the characters’ surroundings.
It was listed on NetGalley as General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, and Multicultural Interest, but the literary-fiction lover in me longed for more developed prose and deeper emotional and character work. That said, the author clearly knows how to tell a moving, impactful story.
I think this would resonate with readers who enjoy Jeanine Cummins or Jennifer Clement, especially if you’re looking to step into stories set in a different part of the world.
NetGalley ARC review. All opinions are my own.
I strongly recommend going into this book blind. The blurb reveals far too much, in my opinion.
Winter of My Spring is fast-paced and plot-driven, with limited character exploration and emotions told in a more straightforward style. The strongest part is the second half, especially the final third, which is what ultimately made the book work for me.
Kusow does a great job of painting a vivid picture of a place, lives, and events that don’t often appear in mainstream commercial fiction. She captures the terror, hopelessness, and suffocating pressure of the characters’ surroundings.
It was listed on NetGalley as General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, and Multicultural Interest, but the literary-fiction lover in me longed for more developed prose and deeper emotional and character work. That said, the author clearly knows how to tell a moving, impactful story.
I think this would resonate with readers who enjoy Jeanine Cummins or Jennifer Clement, especially if you’re looking to step into stories set in a different part of the world.
NetGalley ARC review. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2026
cw: child kidnapping, rape, violence
thank you to @booksparks for the early review copy! out March 31st
this is a novel about child abduction in Somalia, about the human violation for the purpose of recruitment into organizations using religion as a means for inflicting violence and terror. it focuses not just on the kidnapping itself, but the harrowing realities of kidnapped young girls trying to reintegrate into their communities after escaping, communities that are ravaged by fear
unfortunately, the narration did not work for me as it’s not a style of writing i particularly enjoy. it is extremely plot driven, filled with back and forth dialogue, and very little character development. if you do enjoy fast paced, plot driven novels covering deeply important topics, i think you’ll enjoy this one
thank you to @booksparks for the early review copy! out March 31st
this is a novel about child abduction in Somalia, about the human violation for the purpose of recruitment into organizations using religion as a means for inflicting violence and terror. it focuses not just on the kidnapping itself, but the harrowing realities of kidnapped young girls trying to reintegrate into their communities after escaping, communities that are ravaged by fear
unfortunately, the narration did not work for me as it’s not a style of writing i particularly enjoy. it is extremely plot driven, filled with back and forth dialogue, and very little character development. if you do enjoy fast paced, plot driven novels covering deeply important topics, i think you’ll enjoy this one
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this early read! This book captivated me from the very beginning in telling a tale of young Somali girls being kidnapped and the trauma they experience throughout and after. It would be a great read for high school classrooms to get a more modern education on current events in the Horn of Africa. Kusow also did an amazing job at creating this juxtaposition between two different ways of viewing and practicing Islam. It’s so well written and eloquent that you really see a vast difference between the two. I would not suggest it for my middle school classroom just because of the scenes of rapes, physical abuse, and mass violence; however it was a great book and tells a story you don’t often see offered in print so I do think people should read it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Winter of My Spring is a really well written first person narrative for the kidnapping, abuse, and ostracization of three young girls in Somalia. I really appreciated that Rada's narration felt like an authentic 13 year old. I tend to find that a lot of general fiction and literary fiction authors lean far too precocious when writing young protagonists.
I also really appreciated the exploration of the girls' ostracization and the feelings of betrayal and hopelessness. I think this was the strongest part of the book for me. The elation after their escape and then immediately the crushing anger after realizing that it isn't over at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I also really appreciated the exploration of the girls' ostracization and the feelings of betrayal and hopelessness. I think this was the strongest part of the book for me. The elation after their escape and then immediately the crushing anger after realizing that it isn't over at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Winter of my Spring by Fartumo Kusow is a heartbreaking story of three young girls in Somalia who are kidnapped outside their school. I went into this without reading much of the blurb and I think that made it a bit more engaging because the blurb gives a lot of the plot away. This book got me to cry real tears so I think thats great, and the plot moves quickly.
On the other hand, the prose had me double checking the category of this book. I assumed it was for younger readers, but it is being marketed as adult fiction. It is told from the first person perspective of a 13 year old girl, and I found the writing style to skew a bit simplistic.
On the other hand, the prose had me double checking the category of this book. I assumed it was for younger readers, but it is being marketed as adult fiction. It is told from the first person perspective of a 13 year old girl, and I found the writing style to skew a bit simplistic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Heartbreaking, breathtakingly beautiful and hopeful. This coming of age story is the kind of book that should/will win awards. Difficult to read some points because of Rada’s, the main character’s, youth but sigh. What a gorgeous telling. I applaud Fartumo for so carefully penning this tale of love, family, and the strength of women and Somali resilience.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fictional look at Somalia and the treatment of women and girls. An extremist group kidnaps three young girls, forcing them to become child brides and sex slaves. The author tells the brutal story of what the girls endured under their kidnappers. Two girls end up escaping and return to their families. They leave their village, unaccepted by other villagers, and turn their lives around for the better.
Thank you, author, publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.
Thank you, author, publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Incredibly interesting book with some fantastic and to-the-point writing that amplifies the perspective of a young Somalian girl who faces horrifying situations after being kidnapped. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
March 19, 2026
Reminded me of Nigerian school girls #chibokgirls story. What i would have imagined happened to them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Winter of My Spring, set in Somalia, tells the tragic story of three girls being kidnapped off the street and taken into the hands of an extremist organization.
What truly makes this story impactful is not only what happens during captivity, but what happens after. How the girls are treated when they return, and how their community responds to them. The rejection they face is as devastating as the violence itself — and in many ways even more heartbreaking, because it shows that survival does not automatically mean safety, acceptance, or healing.
Although the writing style is engaging, it feels somewhat geared toward younger readers, which wasn’t what I expected and isn’t quite my preference.
What truly makes this story impactful is not only what happens during captivity, but what happens after. How the girls are treated when they return, and how their community responds to them. The rejection they face is as devastating as the violence itself — and in many ways even more heartbreaking, because it shows that survival does not automatically mean safety, acceptance, or healing.
Although the writing style is engaging, it feels somewhat geared toward younger readers, which wasn’t what I expected and isn’t quite my preference.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews