small flying mynah bird
“Combining the reach of a historical saga with the propulsion of a mystery, Roohi Choudhry’s tightly woven debut illustrates the power of sisterhood, legacy, and solidarity through the unforgettable stories of two defiant women living a century apart.”

—Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers and Memory Piece
“In her lyrical and luminous debut novel, Outside Women, Roohi Choudhry conjures a visceral yet dreamlike atmosphere. From South Africa to New York to Pakistan, this novel pulsates with the strength of its women, a narrative caught between centuries and oceans, obsessions, and an undying pursuit of justice.”

—Kali Fajardo-Anstine, bestselling author of Woman of Light and Sabrina & Corina
“I found myself holding my breath through the tenderness and tension of this powerful debut. Choudhry gets into every layer of these migrant female identities with such sensitivity and diligence, one forgets this book isn't real. No matter the continent or even the century, Outside Women's many universes defy expectation and establish Choudhry as one of our greatest new voices.”

—Porochista Khakpour, author of Tehrangeles and Brown Album: Essays on Exile and Identity
Outside Women takes you back and forth through time, examining the true cost, weight, and meaning of bearing witness. It is also beautifully written. This is one you’ll be thinking about for a long while.”—

—Rion Amilcar Scott, author of The World Doesn't Require You: Stories and Insurrections: Stories
Forthcoming: March 2025
book cover showing mynah rising from an ocean with sunset

Events & Press

The Millions (interview)