Dear readers, the event marking the launch of my latest book, White Man’s Wife, was a great success! The event was held on November 11 at Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant and was graced by the Ambassador of France to Bahrain, HE Eric Giraud-Telme, HE’s wife, Mrs Amelie Giraud-Telme, UNIDO Director, Dr. Hashim Hussein, Capital Governorate Director of Information & Follow-up, Yusuf Lori, representatives from the Ethiopian consulate, the book’s editor Kristian Harrison and the ‘White Man’ himself, my husband Pierric Dubois. Grab your Kindle copy on Amazon now. In the meantime, enjoy this excerpt: the foreword by publisher George F. Middleton.
It is an honour to introduce White Man’s Wife, a compelling and deeply personal work by Eskedar Girmay Dubois, an accomplished Ethiopian writer, film producer and actress. In this book, Eskedar courageously addresses the complex stereotypes and societal judgments faced by Ethiopian women married to foreigners, while also exploring broader issues of gender and national identity.
Eskedar’s narrative sheds light on the unique discrimination these women face. Often labeled as Yeferenji Mist – a term loaded with negative connotations – they are viewed through a lens of dependency on their foreign husbands rather than being acknowledged for their own strength and achievements. Society frequently dismisses their successes, attributing them to their marriages rather than recognising their personal efforts and resilience.
A central theme in White Man’s Wife is the struggle for acceptance within their own communities. These women are often marginalised, with their choices questioned and their love and partnerships viewed with scepticism. Eskedar illustrates the painful reality of returning home, where these women, despite maintaining a strong connection to their Ethiopian roots, are sometimes treated as outsiders.
Through her vivid storytelling and personal reflections, Eskedar calls for empathy and understanding. She challenges readers to reconsider harmful stereotypes and to recognise the diverse identities of Ethiopian women. Her book is a powerful reminder that all women, regardless of their marital status or the nationality of their partners, deserve to be seen, heard and respected for who they are and what they contribute.
White Man’s Wife is not just a memoir; it is a courageous exploration of identity, love and the quest for dignity in the face of adversity. Eskedar has given a voice to those who have been marginalised, creating a work that is both timely and timeless. This book invites us to engage in a necessary conversation about how we view and treat one another, both within and across cultural boundaries.
I have known Esky, her European husband and incredible son and daughter for the past 25 years and I have been amazed at her persistence, perseverance and passion in everything she has been involved in during this period.
Despite her privileged position, she dedicated herself to philanthropy and supporting those less fortunate; on many occasions being called to police stations at odd hours of the day or night in order to intercede on behalf of Ethiopian nationals who had been abused or mistreated by their employers.
As you read this remarkable book, I hope you will be moved by Eskedar’s honesty, inspired by her resilience and challenged to think differently about the world around you. White Man’s Wife is not just a story about Ethiopian women; it is a story about all of us, about the choices we make, the judgments we cast and the humanity we share.
