Coffee, Tea and Khat

By: J.R. Sampaio

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Inspired by real-life experiences, Coffee, Tea & Khat tells the story of three sisters growing up in a society governed by rigid cultural norms and deeply rooted religious traditions. Their lives are shaped—and often confined—by decisions made far beyond their control.

At just thirteen, Faizah awaits an arranged marriage. During her teens, she witnesses the tragic death of her best friend, the relentless bullying of her middle sister, Aisha—marked by whispers of the “evil eye”—and the heartbreaking departure of the youngest, Nurit.
Years of silence and submission follow, until Faizah, now a mother trapped in an abusive marriage, begins to question the fate her daughters are destined to inherit. In a moment of quiet rebellion, she realizes that education may be the only way to break the cycle.

Set in the arid landscapes near the ancient city of Harar, this poignant novel spans two decades and dives deep into the heart of a patriarchal world shaped by poverty, silence, and resilience. All unfolds beneath the heady aroma of coffee, the bitter comfort of tea, and the intoxicating escape of khat.