Eyeliner

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

A dazzling exploration of the intersections of beauty and power around the globe, told through the lens of an iconic cosmetic

From the distant past to the present day, humans have been drawn to lining their eyes. The aesthetic trademark of figures ranging from Nefertiti to Amy Winehouse, eyeliner is one of our most enduring cosmetic tools; ancient royals and Gen Z beauty influencers alike would attest to its uniquely transformative power. It is undeniably fun - yet it is also far from frivolous.

Seen through Zahra Hankir's (kohl-lined) eyes, this ubiquitous but seldom-examined product becomes a portal to history, proof both of the stunning variety among cultures across time and space and of our shared humanity. Through intimate reporting and conversations - with nomads in Chad, geishas in Japan, dancers in India, drag queens in New York, and more - Eyeliner embraces the rich history and significance of its namesake, especially among communities of colour. What emerges is a delightful, surprising, and unexpectedly moving journey through streets, stages, and bedrooms around the world, and a thought-provoking reclamation of a key piece of our collective history.

©2023 Zahra Hankir (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critics Review

  • I loved Eyeliner. Hankir approaches her subject with dedicated curiosity, humility and humour, blending anthropology, travel, memoir and history. A treat to read and – of course – beautifully eye-opening.

    Kassia St Clair, author of THE SECRET LIVES OF COLOUR

  • Captivating… An arresting feminist narrative from start to finish, this book reveals the depth and multi-dimensionality of a cosmetic that connects Queen Nefertiti to young women protesting in contemporary Iran.

    Rafia Zakaria, author of AGAINST WHITE FEMINISM

  • Cosmetic, tool of rebellion, status signifier: Eyeliner has been all these and more. Moving through millenniums and across civilizations, Hankir gives the makeup its eye-opening due.

    New York Times

  • A beautifully written deep dive into something that so many of us use on a daily basis with little to no thought. You will never use an eyeliner in the same way again

    Glamour

  • Combining the steady contemplation of the personal essay with her journalistic flair for storytelling, Zahra Hankir traces the history of kohl, traversing space, time and cultures to delve into the deeply human importance of a makeup kit staple many of us don’t give a second thought. An engaging read that is poignant, enlightening, and full of emotional depth.

    Layla AlAmmar, author of SILENCE IS A SENSE

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