‘Cut Flowers’ by Aneeta Prem is, in her own words, a story about saving lives. It discusses the continuing threat of FGM (female genital mutilation) not only abroad but also in the UK. FGM affects around 70 million women and girls worldwide and ‘Cut Flowers’ explores how it individually touches two British girls lives on their summer break.

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“NAHT is pleased to support this latest contribution to the growing awareness of the need to confront and challenge FGM. We applaud Aneeta’s creativity in presenting the issues to young people in the form of a novel and the potential this provides for schools to tackle the issue in a sensitive yet rigorous manner”.

Russell Hobby, General Secretary of the NAHT, and Louis Coiffait,

CEO of NAHT Edge, (National Association of Head Teachers)

“This book doesn’t always make for comfortable reading. It tackles some really difficult issues – the trauma of FGM, the problems of challenging culture and tradition, and the dilemma of protecting siblings from the well-meaning but misguided intentions of their parents.

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“Cut flowers is a very powerful novel, it provides very useful and needed information to service users and their families. About the laws, access to care, information and advise”.

Dr Comfort Momoh MBE

FGM and public health specialist

“’Cut Flowers’ is an essential read on FGM that will help potential victims and their friends to identify the signs and know where to go for help. The book will help the police gain a greater understanding of the issues involved in this dishonour crime and to help protect and bring about successful prosecutions.”

Commander Mak Chishty

Lead on FGM, The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC)

“Our group have all read Cut Flowers by Aneeta Prem. It is a game changer. Its sensitive and authentic. Had this book been around when we were growing up, maybe no one would have had to go through FGM. Men and boys must read this book too so they can understand the issues. Thank you Aneeta for your book on FGM. Its the best thing out there. Read it, understand it and stop it !!!”

FGM Survivors group London

“Aneeta is a fantastic storyteller, a charming book with a powerful message – we can all help to end FGM.”

Becca Naylor

Pro Bono Manager, Reed Smith

“Aneeta Prem’s novel ‘But It’s Not Fair’ had a profound effect on me and the students at our school. Aneeta has an extraordinary gift for taking subjects that are so often left unspoken and easily ignored, and then bringing them into sharp, unforgettable focus. ‘Cut Flowers’ does just the same – presenting the shocking subject of female genital mutilation in a style that is compellingly readable and, as a result, all the more disturbing. This is an important book. Recommended.”

Geoff Barton

Head teacher, King Edward VI School

“What a beautiful story!!! I found some parts provoked tears to my eyes as I could identify with some of the descriptions as a result of the experiences women have shared with me.

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“The mutilation of young girls is a subject difficult to talk about, let alone write about. It’s essential, however, that we do. This excellent book tells us what it is, how it impacts and how it can be stopped. Educating us all is the key to wiping this outrage off the face of the earth and ‘Cut Flowers’ plays an important part in that mission. I recommend it wholeheartedly.”

Nazir Afzal OBE

Former Chief Prosecutor, Chief Executive of the Police & Crime Commissioners for England & Wales

“‘Cut Flowers’ and Aneeta Prem’s previous book, ‘But it’s not Fair’, together provide a vital resource for children, young people and professionals on tackling these serious child abuse practices.

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“Female genital mutilation is rightly a huge concern, and educating children and young people on how to keep themselves and others safe in the face of the abhorrent practice is essential. We are delighted to have worked with the Freedom Charity to develop ‘Cut Flowers’ and an accompanying PSHE lesson which we hope will be used by PSHE teachers across the country”.

Joe Hayman

Chief Executive, PSHE Association

“I felt really emotional and even heartbroken for all the young girls who go through this”

Maria

“…capturing the horror of the subject in a subtle, emotive and thoughtful way.”

Chloe

I absolutely loved reading your book, it’s fantastic! Very funny and a powerful message at the same time.”

Rebecca

“What a beautiful story!!! I found some parts provoked tears to my eyes as I could identify with some of the descriptions with the experiences women have shared with me”.

Leading FGM Midwife