"Sweetness in the Belly" is a novel by Camilla Gibb. The story follows the life of Lilly Abdal, a young girl who is orphaned during the Ethiopian revolution of 1974 and is forced to flee to England. There, she is taken in by a group of Sufi Muslims and begins to explore her Islamic faith. As Lilly grows up, she becomes increasingly passionate about helping others and travels to Ethiopia, where she works as a nurse in a refugee camp. Along the way, she forms close relationships with a variety of characters, including a fellow nurse, a refugee boy, and a Sufi teacher. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay between culture and religion, as Lilly navigates the challenges of being an outsider in both Ethiopia and England. It offers a unique perspective on the experiences of refugees and the power of faith to provide solace and meaning in difficult times.
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