Literature

This is a **recurring weekly gathering** of open-minded people who want to understand geopolitics **without confirmation bias**. We are not here to repeat talking points, defend camps, or feel morally validated. We are here to **listen, compare perspectives, and learn** — especially from people who come from, live in, or are directly affected by the regions being discussed. Each week, we look at **current and long-term geopolitical issues**, including conflicts rarely covered or oversimplified by Western media. **Topics We Cover** Our discussions focus on **current and long-term geopolitical issues**, including conflicts rarely covered or oversimplified by Western media, sovereignty, and reality as it is, not as it is marketed. We approach geopolitics and society from a realist, sovereignty-first perspective, skeptical of globalist ideology and media **groupthink**. The aim is to understand interests, incentives, history, law, and consequences — not to rehearse fashionable outrage. **Examples of topics we regularly examine include:** **1\. Venezuela & Cuba** Sanctions, regime survival, sovereignty, and how U.S. policy, energy interests, and regional power dynamics shape outcomes in Latin America — beyond Cold War clichés. **2\. Ukraine\, Cyprus & European Borders** Frozen conflicts, divided territories, and how international law is selectively applied when sovereignty clashes with strategic interests. **3\. Iran\, Gaza\, Syria & Lebanon** The Middle East beyond slogans: proxy wars, regional balances, sectarian fault lines, sanctions, militias, state collapse, and why Western media framing often obscures long-term realities. **4\. Congo \(DRC\) & Resource Wars** How minerals, supply chains, and foreign interests fuel instability in Africa — and why some of the deadliest conflicts on earth barely make the news. **5\. Taiwan\, Greenland & Strategic Geography** Why islands, trade routes, chokepoints, and remote territories matter enormously in a multipolar world — and how geography shapes power more than ideology ever will. **What Makes This Different** – We prioritize **voices from affected regions**: Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia – We examine **what Western media doesn’t tell, doesn’t show, or doesn’t contextualize** – We welcome **new ideas, uncomfortable facts, and disagreement** – We focus on power, interests, culture, history, economics — not slogans **This is not a safe space for ideology.** **It *is* a safe space for honest thinking.** In Brussels, there are already debate initiatives that offer structured discussions. Too often, however, a small circle curates skewed propositions and narrows the range of acceptable conclusions, turning moderation into gatekeeping . There are also plenty of spaces dedicated to repeating anti-American slogans or reducing complex geopolitics to partisan outrage. This forum is not one of them. Our approach is different. **We welcome genuine diversity of opinion and lived experience.** No one here will be cancelled, banned, or shamed for challenging dominant narratives. Ideas are debated openly; personal attacks and defamation are not tolerated. **Motions & Proposals Welcome** We actively encourage participants to propose motions for debate. If you suggest a motion, please do so with substance: a clear claim, basic historical or legal grounding, and an understanding of the stakes involved. Motions designed to provoke thinking are welcome; motions designed to score points or repeat media talking points are not. **Languages** The language of discussion will depend on the participants present. Debates are typically held in English and French, but we are comfortable switching or accommodating other languages when the moderation team can support it. Languages we can currently handle include: – English – French – Dutch – Spanish – Italian – Russian – Farsi The goal is understanding, not linguistic purity. When needed, participants may clarify or translate key points to ensure everyone can follow the discussion. If you speak more than one language, that’s an asset here ### **What We Ask of Participants** – Come to understand, not to perform or “win” – Be genuinely open to **new ideas and perspectives**, especially those that challenge your own – Speak from **knowledge**, not slogans — history, law, and context matter – If you bring a topic, come prepared: facts, timelines, sources, and legal or historical grounding are encouraged – Argue **ideas**, never individuals – No censorship of viewpoints – No personal attacks – No defamation or accusations against individuals **Strong disagreement is not only accepted — it is expected.** **Intellectual laziness is not.** **This is not a dating meetup.** Not every social space exists for flirting, hitting on people, or testing romantic opportunities. Anyone who treats this forum as a dating pool, approaches others with unwanted advances, or assumes participation implies romantic availability is misunderstanding the purpose of this group. Conversation comes first. Ideas come first. Respect comes first. If you are here primarily to date, pursue, or pressure others, this is not the right space for you. Boundaries are enforced. Discomfort is taken seriously. **Those who ignore this will be immediately asked to leave.** **Location & RSVP** The event will take place in Ixelles, in a public bar. To keep the discussion safe, focused, and accountable, the exact venue will be shared only with confirmed RSVPs via our WhatsApp chat. Depending on the final size of the group, we have several appropriate and secure venue options in the area. This allows us to: – Adapt the venue to the group size – Avoid disruptive or bad-faith behavior common to fully open meetups – Prevent meetup creeps and repeat offenders – Ensure everyone present respects the rules of conduct 👉 To RSVP and receive the location: **https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN** The goal is not exclusivity, but accountability and quality of discussion. If this format doesn’t suit you, this event may not be the right fit.

We often talk about love, loyalty, and the sanctity of vows, but the landscape of human relationships is rarely a sun-drenched meadow. It's more often a labyrinth, full of convenient compromises and unspoken arrangements. Think of those grand, old marriages of convenience, where fortunes and titles were exchanged and affection was, well, optional. These unions were built on foundations far more solid than fleeting emotion, and the silent contract was often with appearances themselves, rather than the person beside you. This brings us to the stark territory of infidelity. We tend to cast a harsh light on cheating, a clear breach of trust, but is it always so black and white? When we explore the clandestine and the forbidden that fulfill needs unmet elsewhere, we tread into morally complex terrain. Tonight, we're dissecting the nuances of cheating, the motivations behind it, the perceived 'innocence' of various liaisons, and whether the act itself, or the contexts surrounding it, truly alter the ethical calculus of betrayal. Let's delve into the uncomfortable choices and the very definition of fidelity. This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into **four teams of two.** Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming: * **Respect ideas and people** Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. * **Be concise and civil** Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. * **Respect boundaries and time** No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. * **Follow moderators** They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

*Sashik*o is a sewing technique that uses traditional geometric pattern stitching. It looks like drawing with thread on the various fabrics. Originally, *sashiko* was used in Japan to repair holes in clothes, reinforcing them and allowing the scarce fabrics to be used for as long as possible. Nowadays *sashiko* is becoming popular in the world from the spirits and the fair of rustic simplicity. We suggest enjoying to find ideas and your new creation, and to savour the moment through *sashiko*. At first, you will learn what is Sashiko and know the tools and materials; the needles, the threads, the fabrics for sashiko and what is the stitching rules. After that, you will practice the rules of Sashiko on the coaster by tasting matcha or Japanese tea with small Japanese sweets! Please choose your session time at 10:30 or 13:30 or 18:00. **Find out more and how to book:** https://ateliersashiko.weebly.com/beginnerdeacutebutant.html https://ateliersashiko.weebly.com/inscription.html \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- *Sashiko* est une technique de couture qui utilise le motif géométrique couture traditionnelle. Il ressemble à dessin avec fil sur les différents tissus. Originairement, *sashiko* a été utilisé au Japon pour réparer les trous dans les vêtements, les renforts et permettant aux tissus rares à être utilisés aussi longtemps que possible. Aujourd'hui, *sashiko* acquiert du la popularité du monde pour son esprit et sa simplicité rustique. Nous vous suggère profiter de trouver des idées et le moment par *sashiko*. Tout d'abord, vous apprendrez ce qu'est le Sashiko et connaîtrez les outils et les matériaux ; les aiguilles, les fils, les tissus pour le Sashiko et les règles de couture. Ensuite, vous pratiquerez les règles de Sashiko sur le sous-verre en dégustant du matcha ou du thé japonais accompagné de petites douceurs japonaises ! Choisissez votre séance à 10h30 ou 13h30 ou 18:00. **Pour en savoir plus et réserver :** https://ateliersashiko.weebly.com/beginnerdeacutebutant.html https://ateliersashiko.weebly.com/inscription.html

IMPORTANT: This Wednesday's session will be held at the Brussels Beer Project. **Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Bruxelles** Please take a moment to read the information and rules for the sessions. **Overview:** Improv sessions in English accepting all levels. We play short and long-form improv comedy, which includes theater-style scenes, guessing, and group games. **Topics:** * Timing * Location * Participation (Attendees list) * RSVP rules * Improv session format * Who is it for? (Participation requirement) *** * **Timing** Being on time will help you and everyone. **18h15** \- Doors open *Please take this time to order your drinks/food and settle in.* **18h30** \- Start of the session **Are you late?** Please inform the event host or comment on the event page. If you arrive late and the session is already in progress, please wait on the side till the game/scene is finished. Wait for the session moderator to indicate when you can start participating. * **Location** We have two locations: Monday Sessions: The session takes place on the first floor of The Sister Cafe. Stairs next to the bar. It's the room with a curtain at the door. Wednesday Sessions: At Brussels Beer Poject Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Bruxelles * **Participation (Attendee list)** The session is limited to **12 attendees**. This ensures the session is manageable and everybody gets enough chances to participate. Therefore, only the people on the "attendee list" can participate in the session. **Waiting list**: People on the waiting list should keep an eye on the updates in case someone from the attendees' list drops and you get their spot. It's important for the people on the waiting list also to update their RSVP status if they already know they won't be joining the session. **Do you just want to observe?** In the regular session, we do not have an audience, only participants. Please do not join the session if you do not plan to participate in the games/scenes. If you are unsure about something, please contact the event host. *People on the attendee list are expected to take part.* * **RSVP Rules** * Please update your RSVP status in a timely manner if you can't make it to the session. This applies to people on the **attendee list AND waiting list.** * If you are on the waiting list and know you won't be able to join in case someone from the main list drops, please update your RSVP to "not going". This will give the next person on the waiting list a chance. * Emergencies aside, please update your RSVP status on time. Canceling at the last minute or just 1 hour before isn't helpful. * If we see a pattern from someone not showing up after confirming or last-minute cancellations, we reserve the right to prohibit session access. * Please write a comment if you cancel and your spot becomes available. With this, others will get an extra notification. **Improv Session Format** The session is held in English. The session has three sections: Warm-up, Scene games, and Cool down. **Warmup:** Quick group games are played to break the ice and get the creative juices flowing. **Scenes:** Then we move on to scene games. These are mostly from short-form improv, which can include different games with various gimmicks, like story building, character work, guessing, etc **Cool down:** One or two short group games to end the session. The rules are explained by the moderator before each game. There is no obligation to participate in games you are uncomfortable with. There can be feedback after a game is played. This is so we learn from each other and gain skills and insights. **Tip**: If you are new, pay attention to the regular players when they are performing and notice small details, like how a stage is cleared before a scene, how to enter a scene, and how to collaborate with each other. * **Who is it for?** Anyone interested in improv! We accept participants at all levels, beginners and advanced. This is a great place to start if you are new to improv. The basics will be explained. We only require the "Yes, and...!" spirit! If you are an advanced player and have ideas and games to share and work on, please do let us know. We look forward to welcoming you and doing improv!

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! Schedule: [Monday to Thursday](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! Horaire : [lundi à jeudi](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

Join us every Wednesday for an authentic Korean experience in the heart of Brussels! 🇰🇷✨ Let’s share Soju, delicious Korean food, fun karaoke sessions, and plenty of good vibes. Don’t miss our photo booth moments and the chance to meet amazing new people from all over the world! 🎉 Free entry, just order at least one drink to support the venue. 📍 Gyosang, Rue Sainte-Catherine 8, Brussels 🕢 Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Come for the language exchange, stay for the laughter, food, and Soju! 🍶🎤

El libro de enero es ***Antigua vida mía, de Marcela Serrano*** ***.*** De la noche a la mañana, Violeta Dasinsky se vuelve noticia a causa de una tragedia y Josefa Ferrer, su amiga de la infancia, con los diarios de Violeta en la mano, empieza a contar su historia. Es decir, la de ambas. Aunque Josefa, una exitosa y angustiada cantante chilena, es la narradora, a su voz y a la de Violeta se agrega la de «nosotras, las otras», suerte de coro griego y testigo de la experiencia femenina a través de las generaciones. En un vívido contrapunto, el relato irá trazando las búsquedas a un tiempo paralelas y divergentes de Violeta y Josefa, desde la infancia común en el Santiago clasista y turbulento de los años 60 hasta el «viaje terapéutico» a la ciudad de Antigua, Guatemala, apostando a la amistad como una cura posible. El amor y la traición, la sexualidad y el dolor, la utopía y las perversiones de la modernidad, la tensión entre lo público y lo privado. Ser mujer en América Latina cuando muere el siglo XX. As usual for the first Saturday group, you may use both English and Spanish during the book discussion; you just need an acceptable level of oral comprehension of both languages to fully enjoy it. Participar cuesta 1€ (para cubrir el coste de la suscripción a MeetUp). Durante la conversación elegiremos el libro para el mes siguiente, podéis proponer cualquier libro que os apetezca leer o discutir. El número de participantes está limitado. Si no podéis participar, por favor, indicadlo actualizando el RSPV en MeetUp.

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Need some quiet time for reading? Want to share the experience with others? Join us at the charming venue of La Belladone to read in the company of others. It’s alone, but also together, get it? We read for an hour, then chat over a drink, then go back to reading (if we feel like it) This is a free activity except for drinks.

In onze volgende uitwisseling van 6 februari bespreken we het boek[ De meester en Margarita](https://www.bol.com/be/nl/p/de-meester-en-margarita/9300000155096384/?cid=1765021197714-7146058440756&bltgh=oYpNj4gXlFOAqqTcg8JGiQ.4_25.26.ProductTitle) van Michael Boelgakov en kiezen we een nieuw boek Er zijn verschillende oudere en recente vertalingen. Tot dan!

**International House Leuven** organizes a coffee morning for those of you who like to chat and meet some friendly (new) faces. It's also a good place to ask questions, get answers and find out about what’s happening in Leuven. Our coffee morning is what you make it. So pop in and out whenever you like, see who is there, and say hi! Other than meeting on Friday mornings every two weeks at the IHL house, for this edition we will meet on a **Saturday every two weeks**, so that those who work during the week have a chance to come! Who's "we"? Well it varies a bit, but this time it will be volunteers from the IH, Zeba and/or Georgi! ​ The practicalities: \- the coffee morning goes for 2 hours\, for the exact time check the event details\. Feel free to pop in and out at any point\, no need to stay the entire time if that doesn't suit your own timing\. \- The location is stated in the event details\. Any changes will be communicated via MeetUp and the WhatsApp group on the day of\.\.\.\. \- ask the event volunteer at the event to be added to the Whatsapp group for future updates \- We will **limit the group size** because the cafe has limited seating, so please register so we know how many people are coming (and please respect your reservation, AKA cancel if you can no longer come :) ) Be aware that we cannot make a group reservation, so we may have to split up between a few tables. Hope to see you at this special coffee morning weekend edition!

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

Looking for a casual after-work activity to meet other internationals (and locals) in Leuven? Our volunteer Reinier will be there to welcome you for an evening of great conversation and delicious Belgian beer (or another drink of your choosing). Let us know you are joining via Meetup. This way we can easily contact you, via the Meetup chat, in case there are any changes. The location will be indicated in the event details once decided! :)

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

Let’s meet and discuss whatever comes to mind about one of Tennesse Williams’ most famous plays.

Join us as we get together to see the steamy-romance-period-drama, WUTHERING HEIGHTS. Director Emerald Fennell gives us her take on the romance between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw from the classic Emily Bronte novel. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film tells a passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. The film is directed by Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman, Saltburn) and is loosely based on the classic novel by Emily Bronte. It stars Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Alison Oliver, Owen Cooper and Hong Chau! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fLCdIYShEQ PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet inside the lobby area about 30 minutes before the show begins. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised! Be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! And, after the movie, don’t miss the best part of the night – food and drinks at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**First Gathering: Love as Transformation** Reading: **The Forty Rules of Love** by **Elif Shafak** We begin Men, Meaning, and Madness with a novel that treats love not as sentiment, but as a force that disrupts, humbles, and reshapes the self. The Forty Rules of Love explores love as discipline, surrender, and moral risk. It asks what happens when certainty breaks, when the ego is wounded, and when meaning is found not through control, but through transformation. This gathering is for men interested in serious literature and honest inquiry into how love shapes character, responsibility, and the inner life. Discussion will be guided by questions rather than summaries. The aim is depth, not debate. Come having read the book or engaged with it seriously.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

**Our February novel is: Julia by Sandra Newman** **This month is a classic, dystopian, fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction novel. The book is 394 pages in print and 14 hours and 20 minutes on audiobook.** **An imaginative, feminist, and brilliantly relevant-to-today retelling of Orwell’s 1984, from the point of view of Winston Smith’s lover, Julia, by critically acclaimed novelist Sandra Newman.** Julia Worthing is a mechanic, working in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. It’s 1984, and Britain (now called Airstrip One) has long been absorbed into the larger trans-Atlantic nation of Oceania. Oceania has been at war for as long as anyone can remember, and is ruled by an ultra-totalitarian Party, whose leader is a quasi-mythical figure called Big Brother. In short, everything about this world is as it is in Orwell’s 1984. All her life, Julia has known only Oceania, and, until she meets Winston Smith, she has never imagined anything else. She is an ideal citizen: cheerfully cynical, always ready with a bribe, piously repeating every political slogan while believing in nothing. She routinely breaks the rules, but also collaborates with the regime when necessary. Everyone likes Julia. Then one day she finds herself walking toward Winston Smith in a corridor and impulsively slips him a note, setting in motion the devastating, unforgettable events of the classic story. Julia takes us on a surprising journey through Orwell’s now-iconic dystopia, with twists that reveal unexpected sides not only to Julia, but to other familiar figures in the 1984 universe. This unique perspective lays bare our own world in haunting and provocative ways, just as the original did almost seventy-five years ago.