“Expat: Women’s True Tales of Life Abroad”, edited by Christina Henry de Tessan, is a collection of essays by female expats, who write of their daily life abroad with simplicity and lucidity.

Beyond the variety of viewpoints, locations and writing styles, these short stories revolve around a number of themes that I believe are central to the expat experience:
- Fitting in;
- Coming to terms with one’s identity;
- Language barriers;
- Food, glorious food! How to shop for it, how to cook it and the memories it brings back.

These 22 accounts of life abroad are so diverse in their circumstances and eventual outcomes that you will likely recognise bits and pieces of your own experience throughout the book. I know that I found myself nodding in agreement more than once!

I would particularly recommend this book to first-time expats and to those who are contemplating expatriation, for a realistic insight into life overseas. Depending on your perspective, it could be both a sobering and inspiring read. It will be instructive in any case.

Emmanuelle