We Have Always Been Here
A Queer Muslim Memoir
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We Have Always Been Here
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Narrated by:
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Parmida Vand
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Written by:
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Samra Habib
About this listen
CANADA READS 2020 WINNER
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2020 EDNA STAEBLER AWARD FOR CREATIVE NON-FICTION
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
2020 LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD WINNER
ONE OF BOOK RIOT'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL QUEER BOOKS OF ALL TIME
How do you find yourself when the world tells you that you don't exist?
Samra Habib has spent most of their life searching for the safety to be themself. As an Ahmadi Muslim growing up in Pakistan, they faced regular threats from Islamic extremists who believed the small, dynamic sect to be blasphemous. From their parents, they internalized the lesson that revealing their identity could put them in grave danger.
When their family came to Canada as refugees, Samra encountered a whole new host of challenges: bullies, racism, the threat of poverty, and an arranged marriage. Backed into a corner, their need for a safe space--in which to grow and nurture their creative, feminist spirit--became dire. The men in Samra's life wanted to police them, the women in their life had only shown them the example of pious obedience, and their body was a problem to be solved.
So begins an exploration of faith, art, love, and queer sexuality, a journey that takes them to the far reaches of the globe to uncover a truth that was within them all along. A triumphant memoir of forgiveness and family, both chosen and not, We Have Always Been Here is a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt out of place and a testament to the power of fearlessly inhabiting one's truest self.
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What the critics say
Winner of Canada Reads 2020
Winner of the 2020 Lambda Literary Award
Longlisted for the 2020 RBC Taylor Prize
Longlisted for the 2020 Toronto Book Award
“Gutting and redemptive, We Have Always Been Here is the story of one [person’s] path to self-determination against every odd. Habib’s voice is sensual and mesmerizing, [their] talent fierce and necessary. A transformative reading experience . . . Habib’s every word lifts off the page, vital and bright as a match being struck.” (Claudia Dey, author of Heartbreaker)
“I could not put down this drama of crossing borders, both external and interior, that teaches us to look into ourselves more deeply and to see others with more empathy. This book is a gift in a historical moment of many struggles, and we are lucky to share Habib’s generous and courageous story. I will be giving everyone I know this book!” (Kim Echlin, author of The Disappeared)
“I fell in love with this book. In prose as economical, crisp, clear, and truthful as poetry, Samra Habib offers a map of how we might learn to see and treasure one another and ourselves. In this way it calls to mind the works of James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, and Jane Rule. I predict that this book will never go out of print - it will become required and desired reading for people of all ages, persuasions, and backgrounds. How I wish I had had it to keep close to my heart when I was younger.” (Shani Mootoo, author of Cereus Blooms at Night)
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What listeners say about We Have Always Been Here
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Madeleine Duvall
- 2020-11-10
Just Didn't Grab Me
I struggled to make an emotional connection with the author, although the tale was interesting enough.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Jodi Wyman
- 2021-01-06
Very Interesting Story
This is a very interesting story, a well-written book and I wish Parmida Vand could narrate all the books I listen to.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Caitlyn
- 2020-11-01
Eye opening and engaging
I found this really interesting. I often take for granted the privilege of being a white Canadian, and welcome the reminders that everyone has a different journey in life
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rainbow J.
- 2021-01-08
a beautiful listen to a life
I'm an hour in and am enjoying it very much. it's healing to hear the stories of us wonderful humans. it's amazing to me how much it ours my own life into perspective. the description of the author's life in Pakistan is beautifully textured, coloured, related. I feel like I'm there with the family's struggles and achievements and delicious meals. thank you so much to the author. so beautiful... a window of opportunity towards understanding the complex culture we create.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2020-08-15
Best Narrator Ever! Plus a Great Story
This is by far my favourite narrator! I assumed she wrote the book. Can’t wait to hear more from this narrator plus the author of the book. Highly recommend.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Megan Krall
- 2020-08-16
A New Perspective
As a Canadian, this felt like an important read. It sheds light on how the Canadian experience can vary. I listened to this book over a month ago and I still think about its significance.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Marzie
- 2020-03-20
a stunning memoir
I love reading memoirs and listening to people's stories of their lived experiences. But Samra's story particularly resonates with me as an immigrant, growing up in an Iranian Muslim family. I couldn't stop crying while listening to the last 2 chapters! well written, vivid descriptions
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Donald
- 2020-07-29
Captivating Listen
I listened to this every chance I got. I had heard about it through Canada Reads. I only knew a little about it so was slightly slow in the beginning but really helped tie the story together by the end. The narrator was easy and enjoyable to listen to. I do not know any of the authors native languages so they just sounded beautiful to me. A very captivating story of someone that inhabits many minorities we hear so rarely about.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Naomi W.
- 2022-08-16
Exactly what I needed
Navigating my own identity as a queer woman and a Muslim revert meant that I felt there was no place for me, mostly anywhere. It wasn’t until I found and completed this book that I felt secure in my existence, and a newfound drive to make myself heard. I don’t want to hide anymore. Thank you, Samra, for showing me that I can be fiercely myself and that my biggest mistake was second-guessing myself and my identity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Megan Primeau
- 2020-12-28
Amazing Memoir
This is an amazing memoir that opened my eyes to a things I didn’t know very much about. The narrators performance wrapped me up in the story and took me right into the moment. A must read (listen to) book!
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