A moving story that takes the reader inside the Islamic culture of the Sudan. One of the most informative books I have read this year. This book should be widely read.
  John Van Diest Founder, Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

"Escaping The TwilighT" is the most compelling new book I have read in a very long time. Although it is work of fiction, author Sigrid Weidenweber's command of character and place-a young woman growing up in the Sudan-is so complete that it's difficult to keep in mind that this is not an actual autobiography. Such craft by an author whose first language is not even English is a humbling experience for onyone claiming acquaintance with a keyboard. James Long, co- author "Panzram"

An important and compelling story; disturbing, powerful, and skillfully told by Sigrid Weidenweber.
  Tim Green, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Dark Side of the Game

"Escaping the Twilight" is yet another human condition revelation to those whose fast- paced lives render them unsuspecting, unaware and perhaps even uninterested in life beyond the boundaries they have become happy not to cross.
I praise the author for her poignant, artful description of Sudanese culture, the lifestyles and the common surroundings one might find in a typical village along the Nile. Every sentence contributed to the mind's eye and set the stage for this wonderful story. "Summer is so fearsome that the mighty river retreats protectively into its cradle. Wading birds with long beaks explore the drying mud flats abandoned by the river's retreat. Then the stench of decaying algae, river vegetation and dead fish hangs over the village until the desert sends her cleansing winds."
While I suspect the first intent of Amina's story was to create awareness about the horrible practice of FGM, I found my mind leaping time and again to speculations about human nature, male/female relationships, and the earth's long practice of using good (God) and evil (Satan/demons)to explain that which we do not understand. For me, the greater value of Sigrid Weidenweber's book was not the discovery of the unthinkable FGM but that which led to the practice. The story of Amina's inherited plight served to make more transparent a trend that is perhaps better disguised in more sophisticated societies-but has existed since the beginning of time-that human beings have been and remain slaves to our instinctual thoughts, deeds and actions every day. In hindsight, from a distance, and in the story about Amina-ignorance is easy to spot. But ignorance in the present wears many disguises.
Thank you Sigrid Weidenweber for using your talent and knowledge to share this very inspiring story.
  Caryn Tilton Caryn Tilton Consulting LLC,www.ctconsulting.com

Dear Sigrid- I finished Escaping the Twilight. I loved it. It's wonderful. The voice of the character is so true, it became an autobiography. Her introduction into the city was grand. The reader believes in this woman all the way through. The explanations for the change in the husband were a poignant, believable story of their own. You can tell; I really loved this book.
  Sally Bailey wife of former Portland Opera director Robert Bailey

Sig: The jinn must have been working overtime when I put your book in my nightstand drawer and didn't discover it until last Monday. Then I read it in three nights when reading usually puts me to sleep. Anyway, congratulations on a great accomplishment! Not only does your book provide personal growth but it is an important social contribution. I was amazed how you put yourself into the local culture and how you observed details just as if you were there. I look forward to your next effort.
  Ray Loen Consultant, Author of Manage More by Doing Less, Lake Oswego, OR

Your book is amazing! I am only about half way through so far. I try to read at night and find myself having difficulty putting it down.
  Breanna Priest Instructor/Owner MEDITECH, Welches, OR

What an extraordinary book! Your attention to fascinating cultural detail captured my mind... and your superbly drawn story of Amina's plight captured my heart. Thank you most sincerely for writing this book.
  Victoria Martin ret., Welches, OR

Amazingly tastefully and compassionate book written around such a horrendous and traumatizing practice! I found it fascinating. Bravo!
  Linda Radke McWhirter Contractor, Realtor, Wife, Mother

"Wow!" What an engaging and tactfully written story on such a mortifying subject. When I got to the part where Amina starts planning her escape, I couldn't put the book down. I read straight through.
  Susan M.M. Myhre former Air Force Captain, Wife, and Mother of two.

Sigrid Weidenweber has written a fascinating, riveting book which is a window into a culture vastly different from our own, disturbingly so.This should be an important & relevant issue to a civilized world. Escaping the Twilight was powerful and moving; I felt as if I actually knew the young girl Amina, the main character. It is written with compassion for her as well as the other women who have no voice in this culture. This book was so vividly and eloquently woven, that I was transported into Amina's life and wanted to protect her.
I found myself questioning the gap between cultural respect and ignoring the inhumane treatment of half of their population. It's thought provovoking yet wonderful. I recommend this reading to everyone I speak to; it is an important subject which needs the light of civilization & compassion shone brightly upon it.
  Mickie Riverman Sherwood, OR

To the Publisher: I have just finished Sigrid Weidenweber's Escaping the Twilight, which tells with sensitivity the story of one woman's life in the Sudan. I am deeply impressed with the author's knowledge of her subject and her skill in bringing to life in the mind of the reader what it is like to be a woman in that culture. I hope this book is widely read.
  Mildred Minthorn Sherwood, OR

Hello Mrs. Weidenweber: I read your book, 'Escaping the Twilight' in two days, and I have to tell you how much I enjoyed it! It was an incredible cultural experience for me as I know very little about Africa, and even less of the Sudan and its customs. Amina seemed so real, and I often found myself so frustrated and angry how she and the other women were treated that I had to force myself to calm down and breathe! As Amina carried out poor Sophia's escape plan I literally found myself on the edge of my seat--I was so scared for her! The ending was a relief, though I assume few women of her kind ever get the chance to escape, or maybe they would never even want to.
In any case, congratulations on a wonderful book. I am no worthy critic, but it is one of the most inspiring books I've ever read. I have already put it on my mother's bed stand and I am recommending it to all my friends.Thank you so much!
  Cerelle Flores University of Indiana (Cerelle is working on an Opera career.)

I am enjoying your book. I look forward to reading every night and I savor it. You are passionate yet quite equitable and very lyrical. Thank you,
  Mona Mozaico artist

To the Publisher: Through "Escaping the Twilight" I found myself irrevocably drawn into the every day existence of life in the Sudan. It is a most compelling narrative, replete with vividly authentic portrayals of the landscape and life of that region. The creation of Amina gives human form to the intensely personal, female journey into adulthood within a culture practicing female circumcision. Not to feel prsonally drawn into Amina's challenge of protecting her daughter at the cost of losing all the family she had was impossible. It is, indeed, powerful reading for all women and those who love them. Thanks to your company for allowing Sigrid's work to impact a wider audience.
  Claudia Wahl teacher, ret., Sherwood OR

I finished reading your book, Escaping the Twilight, and I really enjoyed it. It held my attention throughout, to the very last page.I was amazed by the description of Amina looking out through the curtains to the street below for the very first time in her life. The total culture shock that she experienced was well detailed and I felt her surprise. The description of the cultural horror experienced by young girls of this culture was absolutely heart-wrenching.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. It was truly an eye-operner for me.
Sincerely,
  Linda Smith Newberg, OR

I Just sent a copy of your book to Micheal Hendeson, author of Forgiveness. His comments" I just finished reading Sigrid's book. It is SUPERB." Love and God Bless
  Ross Hawkins, Publisher, Arnica Publishing, Inc.

I enjoyed your book and I am impressed that you accomplished it. In fact I want to order a couple more more copies for friends.
  Debra Hatcher Dundee

From what I have read of your book, (about half)- I have thoroughly enjoyed it. What a unique and little known topic , and hats off to you for bringing it to the public's attention. Good job.
  Jean Curler Portland, Oregon

Can't put this book down! September 12, 2003
   Krystal Smith Keizer, OR USA

Gripping tale of an amazingly brave and spirited woman living in a culture of unbelievable oppression and cruelty simply because she was born female. Sigrid brings you into her world with great detail. It is a rare glimpse into a mysterious culture few of us can even imagine. You feel the character's frustration and pain and hope with great clarity. I cheered for her and I cried with her! Sigrid has a wonderful writing style that keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Literally I fell asleep at night with this book still in my hands. Thought provoking, a must read for men and women. September 10, 2003
  Sharon A. Johnston Newberg, OR USA I highly recommend this book! The author wrote a heart wrenching story that keeps you in suspense until the end. Her careful portrayal of a delicate subject is a must read to understand the horrors women of other cultures must endure. The author has clearly, carefully researched her material and has a writing style that is enjoyable to read. Her written word brings to life the characters and story as it unfolds. Sadly the practice she writes about is not in the past but continues around the world. While the story is fiction, the role of female circumcision within other countries needs to be exposed as abominable and horrific mutilation. After reading this book, I am humbled to realize how fortunate I am to have been born into this country that values women, their intact body, and their right to pursue a life they choose. With the current events in the world, this book has come of age and is a must read.

A fascinating tale that rings of authenticity, relevance and urgency. This is fiction based on real life cruelty, ignorance, and tradition. I was hooked from the first sentence even though I am a male septuagenarian.
  Ray Loen Lake Oswego, OR

Congratulations on a beautifully crafted book that has a significant message for the global world! Like the current of a river the story carries the reader into the village, into Khartoum, to the final escape. I found myself entering a culture completely alien, yet becoming part of a society as it lives its daily life. One is hardly aware of the details but the picture is amazingly complete.The background sets the stage for this custom of circumcision upon the population, not only girls,and women but males too. In your book I felt compassion. I showed the book to a friend, a social worker, her response was that many groups will want to use it as core study resource. I am proud that Arnica Publishing has produced Escaping the Twilight. I hope it reaches its potential for it is a powerful book. There is truth-and power-in this story that only a novel can achieve. I admire your courage and your skill. Sincerely,
  Mildred B. Hawkins Albany OR

Sigrid-I finally got to finish your book. I absolutely loved it and was excited when I finally got an extended block of time to totally immerse myself in it and complete it. I also need to tell you how moved I was when reading the section/chapter with Nuredin getting Amina and daughter to safety. His story and his willingness to put his life on the line, made me cry, but also gave me hope, that there are good people out there willing to do this. Thanks for a great read.
  Allison Koch counselor, Sunset Highschool, Portland, OR

Dear Sigrid, I loved your book. It felt as if I was right there. You must have spent significant time in Africa to describe everything so well.The story remains in my mind now, and I wonder how other women have been able to cope. I will surely give this book as a gift and recommend it to others. Please let me know sometime in the future if you could speak to our book group.
  Melva Brandt Newberg, Oregon

I am enjoying your book very much-it is well written and just fascinating.Best wishes with it!
  Susan Crisman Oregon

Dear Sigrid: Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed your book "Escaping the Twilight". Women in the United States lead such independent lives that it is hard to realize what hardships occurr in other cultures. You brought the characters to life and made the reader feel the pain and the joy that made up amina's life. Much success with this wonderful book. Joyce Stallings, Newberg

Dear Sigrid: Thank you so much for the gift of your book. During a visit back home Joy handed me a book with a stark, but vibrant cover. It took me a moment to realize that I knew the author. You achieved a compelling story of asubject I read about and shuddered over. I was engrossed through two long evenings reading it. My hope is that your book will be read by those who have the power to bring about change. Kishiva Leomark, Bandon, OR