In this week’s episode, I interview poet, BBC radio presenter and author Salma El-Wardany. Salma’s debut novel, These Impossible Things, has been a breakout international hit. It’s a novel about three British Muslim women whose close friendship falls apart one devastating night, and covers the themes of platonic bonds, identity and growing up.  We discuss, among other things: Salma’s experience of heartbreak and rediscovering herself afterwardsHow to maintain independence in a romantic relationshipThe tension behind growing up in a community-based religion like Islam, and learning to advocate for one’s alone timeHow Salma’s mother inspired her love of alonement You can order Salma El-Wardany’'s debut novel, These Impossible Things, now from Bookshop.org.  You can also order my book, Alonement: How To Be Alone and Absolutely Own It, which is based on this very podcast, now from Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org. Thank you so much to Flash Pack for sponsoring this season of the podcast. Flash Pack is a travel company that offers boutique group adventures for solo travellers in their 30s and 40s. Visit flashpack.com/alonement to learn more and quote ALONEMENT at check-out for £100 off your first trip. Twitter:*  @ChezSpecter@writtenbysalma*Instagram: *@ChezSpecter@salmaelwardany*Contact: press@alonement.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.