We Were Forbidden

In this compelling collection, renowned author Jacqueline Harpman presents three newly translated stories that explore the powerful theme of defiance in the face of oppressive circumstances. Set against the backdrop of conflict, a wandering survivor navigates a forest with unyielding restrictions, while a teenage girl at a strict French school in 1940s Casablanca faces severe consequences for her curiosity. Meanwhile, a young woman in a loveless Belgian marriage fulfills her husband's demands but has yet to awaken her own desires. This collection highlights Harpman's remarkable stylistic range and deep psychological insight, marking her return to English readers after decades.