Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for this eARC.

In the riveting pages of "The Defiant Optimist" by Durreen Shahnaz, we embark on a journey that defies convention, challenges norms, and ignites the flames of resilience. Part memoir, part feminist manifesto, this book is a beacon for those who dare to dream beyond the boundaries society sets.

Shahnaz weaves her narrative with the finesse of a master storyteller, drawing us into her world from the very first page. We traverse her childhood in war-torn Bangladesh, where rebellion courses through her veins. Refusing to accept the limitations imposed on her as a girl in a traditional Bengali Muslim family, she emerges as a force to be reckoned with.

The book unfolds in five distinct parts, each revealing a layer of Shahnaz's indomitable spirit. We witness her interactions with elders, their well-intentioned yet stifling advice, and the socio-political events that shape her unwavering entrepreneurial resolve. She questions norms, dismantles stereotypes, and refuses to reconcile with a world that insists on defining a woman's role.

One poignant scene stands out: when a junior clergyperson from the local mosque attempts to use the Quran to prescribe a woman's and wife's duties, Shahnaz boldly challenges him. "Show me where the Quran says that I need to listen to a man," she retorts. Her grandmother's ritual of giving alms to the needy doesn't escape her scrutiny either; she recognizes that true change requires more than token gestures.

But this book is more than a personal triumph. It's a call to action—a reminder that within all of us lies a defiant optimist who can spark transformation. Shahnaz's battles against gender inequality, global disparities, and the male-dominated finance world resonate far beyond her own experiences. Her courage becomes our beacon, urging us to dismantle barriers, rewrite narratives, and invest in women's empowerment.

As I turned the last page, I realized that "The Defiant Optimist" isn't just a book; it's a manifesto for change. It whispers to the dreamers, the fighters, and the disruptors: "You are not alone. Your audacity can reshape the world." So, dear reader, embrace this book, let its fire seep into your bones, and join the ranks of the defiant optimists who dare to make a difference. 📚✨

This is a beautifully written book, and the author's inclusion of her personal life story only enhances the message.
This is a must-read for anyone who is working on international development, wishes to fight global inequality, and recognizes that women MUST be included as full and equitable partners.

Excellent work.