In this richly woven tapestry of stories, nine Arab women share their deeply personal journeys of migration to Australia.
“As warm as a hug and as unsettling as an earth tremor, this is a book that will open minds and break hearts, cause ripples and heal wounds – sometimes all on the same page – written for and by “every woman who has dared to start again”. Deeply wise, profoundly human, Don’t Ask the Trees bears witness to the histories and diasporas that contribute to Australia as a place of complex cruelties, grief, trauma, resilience, creativity, intelligence and love: a place the brave and beautiful writers of this superb anthology call home.“
– Clare Wright, award-winning historian, author and broadcaster
In this richly woven tapestry of stories, nine Arab women share their deeply personal journeys of migration to Australia, each reflecting on the legacies of their homelands and the complexities of forging new lives.
In their own voices, they explore the challenges of adaptation, the resilience born from adversity, moments of joy, and the enduring ties to their heritage.
With unique perspectives, they examine Australian culture while confronting some of the world’s most pressing political injustices through the lens of lived experience.
A powerful testament to individuality and community, Don’t Ask the Trees for Their Names seeks to dismantle stereotypes in a world that too often simplifies identity. This compelling collection inspires us all to rise above the barriers of sexism and racism, offering an urgent and unapologetic chorus of truth.
Oula Ghannoum was born in Tripoli, Lebanon, and is currently a Professor of Plant Biology at Western Sydney University. An internationally renowned expert in plant photosynthesis, her research addresses the twin challenges of food security and climate change. She has published over 100 scientific articles. Beyond science, Oula is passionate about Sufism and storytelling as integrative forms of knowledge. She is currently working on a trilogy exploring her own and her family’s migration to Gadigal Land, Australia.
Loubna Haikal was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and migrated to Australia as a teenager. A trained medical doctor, she worked as a GP before turning to writing. She is the author of Seducing Mr. Maclean (Picador, 2002), along with several short stories and plays. A mother of three sons and a grandmother, Loubna lives on the land of the Gadigal people in Merro-berah.
Sivine Tabbouch was born in Tripoli, Lebanon, and migrated to Australia as a teenager. A mother of three daughters and a grandmother, she dedicated her career as a social worker to supporting refugees and advocating for gender equality. With her daughter, she co-authored Sofra, a cookbook documenting traditional Lebanese recipes, and co-founded Sunday Kitchen, a cooking school that celebrates culture and preserves culinary heritage through storytelling.
Nouha Francis was born in Al-Hakour, a small village in Akkar, North Lebanon, and migrated to Australia with her husband. She studied History at the Lebanese University and Education at the University of Sydney. A mother of three daughters and a grandmother, Nouha taught Arabic in several primary and secondary schools across Sydney. She is the Coordinator of Khair Jalis Literary Association, a cultural and social group for Arab women. Nouha finds joy in writing, reading, and singing.
Mariam Maatooq is a Palestinian born in Syria. She studied Psychology at the University of Damascus and worked across several Arab countries before settling in Australia. A mother of three daughters, she currently works in child protection for the NSW Government. Passionate about preserving Palestinian heritage, she actively engages in cultural traditions such as cooking, storytelling, and singing. Mariam has also built strong ties with Indigenous communities, finding a shared history of struggle and resilience.
Mary Hanoun-Khilla was born in Wad-Medani, Sudan, and migrated to Australia with her family. She studied Sociology at the University of New South Wales and worked extensively in refugee settlement and rehabilitation. A mother of three, she remains active in cultural organisations such as the Syrian Sudanese Christian Association and the Andalus Arabic Choir. Now, she devotes much of her time to caring for her grandchildren and organising her memoirs about life in Australia.
Camilia Naim was born in South Lebanon and migrated to Australia as a newlywed. A mother of three children and a grandmother, she worked as a receptionist and in real estate and support services. A published author, Camilia has written two books of prose in Arabic. She enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
Hend Saab was born in Yaroun, South Lebanon, and migrated to Australia as a newlywed. Determined to continue her education, she returned to school as an adult and earned a Master’s in Psychology. A mother of two sons and a grandmother, Hend worked in clinical and group psychology and became a leader in developing mindfulness practices for mental health and well-being.
Kilda Eid was born in Baabda, Mount Lebanon, and came to Australia as a young bride. A mother of five children and a grandmother, she worked as a teacher’s aide, supporting refugee women and students with special needs. Currently, she is studying theology and contributing Arabic poetry to various anthologies.
“Don’t Ask the Trees for Their Names is an exquisite tapestry of migration stories by nine remarkable Arab-Australian women who have seen it all and lived to tell the tale in their own words. It blends the sorrows of war and exile with the delights of discovery and self-reinvention; the raw immediacy of lived experience with the wisdom of hindsight. This collection is full of gems, and a timely reminder of how much this land owes to strangers who come bearing gifts from afar.“
– Abbas El-Zein, author of Bullet, Paper, Rock: A Memoir of Words and Wars
“They say “it takes a village” to raise a child, to have a life. To be in the diaspora is to have the village ruptured. With these stories, these incredible women have created their own village, one we can all visit as needed to learn what we must.“
– Omar Sakr, author of The Nightmare Sequence
