Saide Harb-Ranero

Writer

            My name is Saide Harb-Ranero and my writing journey began as a pre-teen, sitting in my room writing my daily story in my diaries. After surviving a civil war and living in an underground shelter for a year, it was important to me that my written thoughts remained private. I couldn't write in my mother tongue, which is Arabic; French was out of the question, as my parents could read that too that left English as my only hope. I had to find a way to learn it fast, I knew of the language from subtitled movies on TV. I taught myself English by listening to Alanis Morissette in the 90’s and translating lyrics. I made it my mission to master English. Even as a young teenager, I knew I would move here one day.

            I was able to express my deepest feelings and darkest fears with vivid details, unafraid of anyone knowing. I was content. 

            I suffered from depression, anxiety, and survived two-attempted suicides as a teenager. I left my motherland, Lebanon, as a 20 year old. 

            Now, 18 years later, I am married, living in the U.S. with two beautiful girls. I am hoping that people will find comfort in my work and support through my stories! I am a fighter and I hope one day my voice will rise high enough to fight all of the injustice that has been wronging many souls.

            I wrote my novel “Not a Victim” in order to give a voice to a generation of war. To shed light on women’s issues not only in the Middle East but also to bring awareness to these issues are still happening all over the world. I want to bring light to a generation that has been silenced for too many years. 

I want to, in a sense, face my abuser. Face a misogynist world where I was told to stay quiet about subjects that were tabooed. I grew up witnessing rape, abuse, suicide, and drug overdose yet, I was not allowed to question why this was happening. I want to tell a story of war after witnessing destruction and living as a teenager in its aftermath.  I want to be able to tell the story of a generation silenced for way too long. I have been invited to join panels in college to discuss women's issues and share my story!
            I have been trying to tell my truth and the truth of many of my generation. As an immigrant, I have the platform to bring awareness to many issues that women face not only in a third world country but also in general.