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Nowhere Girls
“Compassionate, honest and unvarnished. A harrowing insight at how a society can devour a woman. There is a conflict with the truth and the lies of three contemporary women who navigate through a modern society that seems made to destroy them alive.” — Bronwyn Jones
Friends Alba and Sara could not be more different. While Alba is worming her way into the upper echelons of Albanian’s richest and most powerful, by any means she can, Sara is working more than one job as a struggling journalist. Both desperate to escape their corrupt country, they're quickly dragged into a sordid world of politics and lies.
But when tragedy strikes their friend Ina, the two women must come together to save their friend's little boy. Can they put away their past, to secure a better future for the child? How easily can you run, when you can't escape yourself?
Although this is a fictitious tale, the author draws from her own experiences as an Albanian journalist and her struggles to find a better life outside of her country. NOWHERE GIRLS is a thrilling insight into the lives of three very different women, and the lengths a person will go to for freedom.
Friends Alba and Sara could not be more different. While Alba is worming her way into the upper echelons of Albanian’s richest and most powerful, by any means she can, Sara is working more than one job as a struggling journalist. Both desperate to escape their corrupt country, they're quickly dragged into a sordid world of politics and lies.
But when tragedy strikes their friend Ina, the two women must come together to save their friend's little boy. Can they put away their past, to secure a better future for the child? How easily can you run, when you can't escape yourself?
Although this is a fictitious tale, the author draws from her own experiences as an Albanian journalist and her struggles to find a better life outside of her country. NOWHERE GIRLS is a thrilling insight into the lives of three very different women, and the lengths a person will go to for freedom.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2019
39 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Teuta Metra
3 books33 followersTeuta Metra is an Albanian/Dutch writer based in Rotterdam. She holds a degree in Literature and Linguistics from the University of Tirana and has a background in journalism. Through her fiction books, Teuta advocates for women's rights in her home country. She is a firm believer in the transformative power of words and literature. By day, Teuta works as a librarian in Rotterdam and by night, she dedicates herself to writing and weaving stories that inspire and empower. Teuta lives now in The Netherlands with her husband and two sons.
Visit Teuta's Facebook page:
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Visit Teuta's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/metra.teuta/
Follow Teuta on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Teuta_Metra
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 21, 2019
Nowhere Girls by Teuta Metra is a fantastic story that combines hope, heartache and victory. This emotional journey is led by three strong women –Alba, Ina and Sara.
While they all share the same goal of leaving behind a life of corruption in Albania, the three friends have very different methods of escaping. Alba will do whatever she can to get away - lie, cheat, steal – even use her loved ones. Ina’s top priority is keeping her kids safe, even if it means putting herself at risk. She’s forced to make decisions she’d otherwise never consider to ensure that her kids will have a better life than she did.
And then there is Sara, who I choose as the hero of this book, and someone that any woman would be lucky to have as a friend. Driven by ambition and a desire to never stop learning, she plans to achieve her own dreams while paving a better future for her husband and son at the same time. She also remains loyal to Alba and Ina, constantly checking in to make sure they’re okay. The strength of their friendship is tested when Ina gets in over her head, forcing Alba and Sara to set aside their differences and work together to save her son.
Metra creates a fantastic dynamic between these three ladies that makes you instantly love all of them in different ways. Alba will give you headaches along the way but she’s worth it! :)
As soon as I discovered Nowhere Girls, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I loved being let in to the lives of Sara, Alba and Ina. I don’t know if there is a sequel planned for this book or not, but I would love to catch up with the ladies and their children. I also want to know what Antoneta is up to!!
While they all share the same goal of leaving behind a life of corruption in Albania, the three friends have very different methods of escaping. Alba will do whatever she can to get away - lie, cheat, steal – even use her loved ones. Ina’s top priority is keeping her kids safe, even if it means putting herself at risk. She’s forced to make decisions she’d otherwise never consider to ensure that her kids will have a better life than she did.
And then there is Sara, who I choose as the hero of this book, and someone that any woman would be lucky to have as a friend. Driven by ambition and a desire to never stop learning, she plans to achieve her own dreams while paving a better future for her husband and son at the same time. She also remains loyal to Alba and Ina, constantly checking in to make sure they’re okay. The strength of their friendship is tested when Ina gets in over her head, forcing Alba and Sara to set aside their differences and work together to save her son.
Metra creates a fantastic dynamic between these three ladies that makes you instantly love all of them in different ways. Alba will give you headaches along the way but she’s worth it! :)
As soon as I discovered Nowhere Girls, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I loved being let in to the lives of Sara, Alba and Ina. I don’t know if there is a sequel planned for this book or not, but I would love to catch up with the ladies and their children. I also want to know what Antoneta is up to!!
March 18, 2019
This is a really intriguing story based around three Albanian friends Sara, Alba and Ina and their respective lives. Their lives are all so different….Sara and Ina struggle through life with untold challenges, whilst Alba works her way up to the high society of Albania through politics, corruption and lies.
Although they were all friends when they were younger, their lives take them in different directions but they all still end up linked and in contact one way or the other. They each battle for freedom, despite their problems being so different but will they get it?
The characters are well written and you find yourself hoping that they will achieve their goals and get what they deserve (Alba may be the exception to this rule but I’ll let you make your own decisions on her!). There are tough times experienced throughout this, with Sara trying to do the best for her and her family, Ina struggling on in a life that is tougher than we can imagine and Alba seemingly able to get everything she wants! There were moments that I felt happy and grateful for the characters, and others where I was angry, frustrated, afraid and sad.
This book definitely gives you all the feels and keeps you immersed, wanting to get to the end to find out where these friends end up.All I will say is…..be prepared for a full rollercoaster of emotions!
Although they were all friends when they were younger, their lives take them in different directions but they all still end up linked and in contact one way or the other. They each battle for freedom, despite their problems being so different but will they get it?
The characters are well written and you find yourself hoping that they will achieve their goals and get what they deserve (Alba may be the exception to this rule but I’ll let you make your own decisions on her!). There are tough times experienced throughout this, with Sara trying to do the best for her and her family, Ina struggling on in a life that is tougher than we can imagine and Alba seemingly able to get everything she wants! There were moments that I felt happy and grateful for the characters, and others where I was angry, frustrated, afraid and sad.
This book definitely gives you all the feels and keeps you immersed, wanting to get to the end to find out where these friends end up.All I will say is…..be prepared for a full rollercoaster of emotions!
February 10, 2019
I got an ARC from the book "Nowhere girls" by Teuta Metra and the book itself is catchy and makes the reader curious and hungry for more. The author has described in the most profound way the daily problems a woman has to deal with. Her characters show us the harsh reality and how difficult is to be a woman. Taking place in Albania, the author through the character Sara, tells us how is to be trapped in the system and that what the society wants from you. Sara is a good soul trying to make a living for her son and her husband which are a struggling family. Despite her strong character, Sara cannot beat the system and sometimes we see her as she struggles between her bad and good inner voice. Her dreams seem far away as she deals with men and women at the same time, making it impossoble for her to settle down and reach her goals. A place where "too much masculinity'' rules and women walking objects.
March 16, 2019
This is an incredibly emotional story of three women trying to escape their upbringing in Albania. Right from the beginning, you understand how hard it is for them, living in a country where men have the final say in everything.
Sara wants a better life, a better job, and a future, but stuck in a low-paid job that sucks the very soul from her, she can't see a way out. Alba, her friend, appears to know how to play the system - but at what price? While Ina thinks she has a marriage made in heaven, but the reality is so very different.
The story follows the three women's lives through the years, their struggles and desperation as they fight against the chauvinistic rules of their country.
The author keeps you captivated all the way through with her descriptions of Albania and its people, and the struggles that many women have to deal with every day of their lives there. This is a book I highly recommend.
Sara wants a better life, a better job, and a future, but stuck in a low-paid job that sucks the very soul from her, she can't see a way out. Alba, her friend, appears to know how to play the system - but at what price? While Ina thinks she has a marriage made in heaven, but the reality is so very different.
The story follows the three women's lives through the years, their struggles and desperation as they fight against the chauvinistic rules of their country.
The author keeps you captivated all the way through with her descriptions of Albania and its people, and the struggles that many women have to deal with every day of their lives there. This is a book I highly recommend.
February 4, 2019
This book offers a great selection and combination of characters, timezone and countries that add to its plot and structure. The author has a very good ability to describe her characters and their feelings even when dealing with them in different cultures and mentalities.
The combination of her characters situations reflects courage in analyzing phenomena and describing the social and cultural issues in her country so good, it almost feels as if she experiences them herself.
Judging by the interesting topic and skillful way of presenting it to the reader, I would say this book is a must read for the confrontation with important issues of our society but also the realistic description of its time.
The combination of her characters situations reflects courage in analyzing phenomena and describing the social and cultural issues in her country so good, it almost feels as if she experiences them herself.
Judging by the interesting topic and skillful way of presenting it to the reader, I would say this book is a must read for the confrontation with important issues of our society but also the realistic description of its time.
February 15, 2019
Nowhere Girls is a tale of three Albanian women, each a strong character trying to do her best with the cards that were given to her. The reader gets to relive the heroines' experiences through their thoughts and the genuine dialogues leading to a feeling of immersing into the characters page by page. The book moves just at the right pace and is very absorbing. One third into the book I was fully hooked and didn't want to let it go before I had finished it, which is always a good sign.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience and feel the strength of the female nature and the struggles and sacrifices women take as well as the joys and ups of human life.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to experience and feel the strength of the female nature and the struggles and sacrifices women take as well as the joys and ups of human life.
November 16, 2019
Life's a Journey
I enjoyed this story about three women and how they escaped their hard lives, each one going a different path. Alba seeks fame and recognition and goes to any length to succeed, even using her friends. Ina seeks escape by pretending everything's alright, when it's not. She doesn't even recognize her own perilous world. And Sara, always running towards something without thinking about the consequences. Parts of this story felt jilted, and other parts flowed, so it was a mixture of emotion that I read it. If you enjoy learning about other cultures and women's fiction, you'll enjoy this book.
I enjoyed this story about three women and how they escaped their hard lives, each one going a different path. Alba seeks fame and recognition and goes to any length to succeed, even using her friends. Ina seeks escape by pretending everything's alright, when it's not. She doesn't even recognize her own perilous world. And Sara, always running towards something without thinking about the consequences. Parts of this story felt jilted, and other parts flowed, so it was a mixture of emotion that I read it. If you enjoy learning about other cultures and women's fiction, you'll enjoy this book.
December 20, 2019
A real, sometimes dark and deep story of life for women in Albania. Stories like this one really make you appreciate your own life and they also make think about women kind in general. This story made me want to fight for them and it also re instilled that woman are amazing, strong, determined and should never be underestimated. Their lives all very different but yet they are all on the same journey, a journey to escape the deep rooted issues in their country of birth. Corruption, deception, sexism are all rife. An emotional and powerful read that feels very very real. A real eye opener and a story that will stay with you for a long time.
April 16, 2019
A masterful tale of emotional intrigue and drama penned around the lives of three Albanian women as the author explores themes of disenchantment and hope, opening up to the reader, a world where the bonds of friendship is tried and tested by the shifting winds of politics and social injustice.
Nowhere Girls is a remarkably written story. The author has brought to life characters whose failures and disconsolations, strengths and weaknesses, hopes and dreams... easily become your own.
Excellent work by the author!
Nowhere Girls is a remarkably written story. The author has brought to life characters whose failures and disconsolations, strengths and weaknesses, hopes and dreams... easily become your own.
Excellent work by the author!
July 16, 2019
This is the story of three albanian girls, fighting to survive, struggling to find themselves, struggling to find love and happenisses, wich seems impossible in a dark reality where they live. The three of them shows perfectly well three categories of women in Albania: the victim, the honest and working women and the bitch.
The wild reality where they live, is discribed so naturally by the author. I was hooked from the very begging of it but the more you read, the more you don't want to put it down. When I finished, I wanted to know more.
The wild reality where they live, is discribed so naturally by the author. I was hooked from the very begging of it but the more you read, the more you don't want to put it down. When I finished, I wanted to know more.
October 2, 2020
Nowhere Girls by Teuta Metra was a wonderful book. I loved the three friends and how different they were. I would say that Alba was my least favorite character. She did not strike me as a strong female protagonist, but rather as the antagonist. She is selfish, arrogant, and uses her friends for her own benefit. I was particularly taken by this story since I am a child of immigrants. I could relate to Sara’s hardships and desire for a better life than the one she had in
Albania. I highly recommend this book!
April 11, 2019
Without giving any spoilers here is what I think about this book, it is a pleasent lecture I really enjoyed it from the beginning until the end, it's one of those stories that keep you reading and passing pages, so intriguing because it is not the typical story that you can guess what is coming next and that is what make it unique you can not predict what is gonna happen in the next pages. Highly recommended.
March 30, 2019
If you are looking for a story that will touch you, this is it! I can compare it with Ferrante as Metra writes in a way that immediately takes you in the lives of her well developed caracters. The story many can relate to. A book you will not want to put down. Beautiful, emotional, profound, this book tells the uncomfortable truth of what life in Eastern Europe looked/ looks like.
February 15, 2019
Teeuta Metra poured her heart and soul into this incredible book. From the first page to the last I was captivated and pulled into the lives of these three woman. This is a book I'll be rereading for years to come.
June 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It is a deep tryp into different characters that are designed with a sharp pen, creative mind and a good narrative art.
Three different lifes, three women and the destiny.
Congratulations to the author! You have a brilliant future to come!
Three different lifes, three women and the destiny.
Congratulations to the author! You have a brilliant future to come!
October 12, 2019
Surprise story
I really didn't see the story ending the way it did. I had envisioned another ending not sure how ,but different. I liked the three women who were completely different. You just have to read this book!!
I really didn't see the story ending the way it did. I had envisioned another ending not sure how ,but different. I liked the three women who were completely different. You just have to read this book!!
December 4, 2019
At first, I found this a little hard to get into but I’m so glad I kept reading. The story of the women in this book and their search for escape was heart-touching and eye-opening. A very enjoyable read!
October 24, 2023
Questionable
I did like the characters throughout the book; However, the beginning of the book is very slow and almost stopped reading after the first 3 chapters. The end is quite anticlimatic. Expected more
I did like the characters throughout the book; However, the beginning of the book is very slow and almost stopped reading after the first 3 chapters. The end is quite anticlimatic. Expected more
Read
November 16, 2020Did not finish. Shelving for another time when I am in the mood.
October 7, 2021
Three friends from Albania. Just not my kind of book
May 18, 2019
La novela se desarrolla en Albania la mayor parte y refleja la lucha de tres mujeres por abrirse camino, cada una a su forma, en un país que se hunde por la corrupción y el abandono de sus políticos.
Muy bien escrita, siempre directa al grano con momentos muy duros y emotivos, es una historia que llega al corazón, conmueve y provoca.
Me ha encantado y es de las que recordaré durante mucho tiempo.
Reseña completa en https://bit.ly/2HiPkID
Muy bien escrita, siempre directa al grano con momentos muy duros y emotivos, es una historia que llega al corazón, conmueve y provoca.
Me ha encantado y es de las que recordaré durante mucho tiempo.
Reseña completa en https://bit.ly/2HiPkID
February 23, 2019
An excellent read! This is one of those very few books which you just can't put down till you have reached the end.
Like Khaled Hosseni, Teuta Metra is a natural story teller. The events and twists and turns in the story keep you pondering as what's coming next.
The striking contrast between the characters, their circumstances, struggles for a better future for themselves and their loved ones and the juxtaposition between the two cultures are very beautifully penned down by the writer.
Looking forward to watching a film based on this book!
Like Khaled Hosseni, Teuta Metra is a natural story teller. The events and twists and turns in the story keep you pondering as what's coming next.
The striking contrast between the characters, their circumstances, struggles for a better future for themselves and their loved ones and the juxtaposition between the two cultures are very beautifully penned down by the writer.
Looking forward to watching a film based on this book!
April 20, 2019
Well written story about three women Sara, Alba and Ina. It explores their challenges in contemporary Albania as they struggle to fit . There is the journey into the men in their lives, the choices that they make and the attendant consequences. This book resonates globally. The theme of the personal experiences and the struggles of immigrants is well articulated. It captures the essence of fortitude, power, the struggle and sometimes illusion of a better life in a foreign country. Teuta Metra is indeed a prolific writer.
Want to read
May 29, 2019Is one of the books that has drawn me a lot, because I find myself very much in the reality of Albania, because I am a woman living in this country where there is a lot of lifestyle problems and finding solutions to problems.
The writer made me enter this book world as being a real character there.
I found your novel very creative Mrs.Metra, further successes.
Read it because you will endlessly breathing.💞
The writer made me enter this book world as being a real character there.
I found your novel very creative Mrs.Metra, further successes.
Read it because you will endlessly breathing.💞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews