Uyghur Woman Discovers Forbidden Novel, Finds Love in Xinjiang

A moment that changed me: I found a forbidden novel – it led to a dangerous, lasting love

Growing up in the Chinese region of Xinjiang, romance was frowned upon – as was much of my Uyghur culture. But one day, exploring a strange house, I found a gateway to both worlds Many people have a book that changes their life. For me and my wife, one book in particular changed our destinies for ever. We have been in love since we were teenagers, and today we are happily married – all because I accidentally discovered a forbidden novel in someone else’s house. It was a hot summer’s evening i...

By Yalkun Uluyol