Suhayla El Bushra

A new academy school in a Yorkshire mill town merges the lives and cultures of the largely divided white and Asian community

The fascinating story of the early life of England’s most iconic Queen, Elizabeth Tudor, an orphaned teenager who became embroiled in the political and sexual politics of the English court on her journey to obtain the crown.

Teenage best friends Doe and Muna are heading off on what seems like the trip of a lifetime. Quiet, observant Doe hasn’t travelled since arriving in the UK as a Somali refugee aged three. Muna, sharp and fearless with Pakistani roots, leads them through airport security and into the unknown. But this isn’t a holiday. The girls are bound for Istanbul, planning to cross into Syria to begin a new life they believe holds purpose and meaning. When their fixer fails to appear, panic sets in, but turning back isn’t an option. Alone in a foreign city, they must improvise fast, pushing the limits of their courage, their faith, and their friendship.

It’s been 5 months, 1 week and 3 days since all the women left; but why have they gone, and (more importantly) have the men learnt anything from their departure?