An anthology published by Jigsaw and edited by Sonder & Tell in aid of Women for Women International.
What happens when you ask 28 women writers to break away from the themes and forms that feel safe to them, and ask them to create something brave, vulnerable and new?
For #comfortzonesthebook we asked writers to think about their usual subject matter, and then work against it. In this collection of essays, letters and stories you’ll find journalists tackling their first works of fiction, reflective essays that take an unflinching look at past failures as well as big ideas for creating a kinder world.
We know what you're thinking: Jigsaw sell clothes, not books
We’ve always known that the Jigsaw woman is smart, funny and informed, someone who buys clothes because of the stories they tell as much as the way they look. So when content agency Sonder & Tell came to us with the idea for an anthology of essays, letters and stories by some of our favourite women writers, we knew we had to make it work. Even better that in publishing Comfort Zones we’ve been able to raise money for a brilliant cause, as 100% of proceeds will go to Women for Women International. We hope you enjoy reading our book as much as we’ve enjoyed making it.
The Authors
You might be familiar with many writers in this book, but you won’t have read them like this before
Women for Women International
The concept of comfort zones – of questioning the parameters we set ourselves and how it feels to move beyond them – has been inspired by the incredible stories from Women for Women International.
Since 1993, almost half a million women survivors of war have taken part in their year-long training programmes in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Sudan. Each woman, joining a group along with 24 others, learns marketable job skills – like tailoring, bread-making or poultry-keeping – so they can go on to earn a sustainable income.
With your help, women can graduate from the Women for Women International programme with the skills, knowledge and resources to become successful entrepreneurs. They will pass on their knowledge to their neighbours and children, creating a ripple effect.
Women for Women International UK is a registered charity (charity number: 1115109)
Women for Women International
How can I get involved?
Host a reading night
Gather your friends around, light some candles, serve some wine and choose do a reading from Comfort Zones or any other book you love. Get everyone to donate £5-£10 to Women for Women International’s Just Giving Here.
Read aloud on Instagram
Remember reading a passage out at school? It was always nerve-wracking even if you were the best in class. We challenge you to read out your favourite passage from Comfort Zones to your Insta community. Don’t forget to tag #comfortzonesthebook
Spread the word
Share us on instagram (don’t forget to tag #comfortzonesthebook @insidejigsaw and @sonderandtell leave us a review, or buy us as presents for your mum, daughter, dad, granny. There’s a story for everyone in comfort zones.
Attend an event
We are hosting a series of reading and writing events from 30 April in order to raise money for the incredible work of Women for Women International. Keep an eye on @insidejigsaw and @sonderandtell for details.