Award winning author will talk about her book: A Mouth Full of Salt

By Gazette Staff

January 27th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Sudanese‑Canadian health researcher and writer Reem Gaafar discusses her award-winning debut novel, A Mouth Full of Salt.

The story begins with the disappearance of a young boy in the Nile—a tragedy that unravels hidden secrets and stirs superstition in a small northern Sudanese village and follows the story through the eyes of three compelling women—teenager Fatima, struggling mother Sulafa, and matriarch Nyamakeem. Gaafar’s lyrical, evocative writing explores themes of patriarchy, racism, and colonial legacy while delivering a riveting story of identity and resilience.

Presented in collaboration with Invisible Publishing

About the Author

Reem Gaafar is a Sudanese public health physician, researcher, writer, and mother. She is published in both fiction and non-fiction circles, contributing to issues on public health and policy, society, racism, and women’s rights. Her novel, A Mouth Full of Salt, won the Commonwealth Foundation’s 2023 Island Prize for debut African novels.

Borrow A Mouth Full of Salt from our collection

Accessibility

If you need an accessibility accommodation during this program, please register early so we can confirm arrangements a few days before your visit.