Cassava Republic has announced the acquisition of The Moon Will Not Burn Us, a revelatory narrative non-fiction book by journalist and photographer Ricci Shryock with publication slated for 2026.
Set during Guinea-Bissau’s grueling 11-year war for independence from Portuguese colonial rule, The Moon Will Not Burn Us tells the true story of Joana Gomes, a teenage girl thrust into the conflict after her father’s murder. At just 13 years old, Joana’s quest for justice leads her to join a determined group of female combatants whose efforts prove instrumental in securing victory for their nation. While the war’s strategies often hinged on secrecy and sabotage, women like Joana played vital roles in sustaining the movement—roles that, post-independence, went largely unrecognized as men claimed power and historical prominence.
The book challenges traditional narratives of resistance, highlighting the bravery, resilience, and strategic influence of Guinea-Bissau’s female fighters. At a time when global discussions about women’s historical contributions are intensifying, Shryock’s meticulously researched piece offers a timely and vital perspective on the unsung heroes of liberation struggles.
Layla Mohamed, the acquiring editor at Cassava Republic, praised the manuscript’s depth saying:
“Moving deftly between the intimate and wide-ranging, The Moon Will Not Burn Us is a deeply necessary work that seeks to tell the stories of those too often regulated to the margins. I am delighted to have acquired Ricci’s evocative and compelling manuscript as it aligns perfectly with our ethos at Cassava Republic to give voice to the voiceless and build an inclusive archive of African stories.”
Shryock, who has lived in Dakar, Senegal, since 2008, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share this powerful story saying:
“I am grateful for this opportunity to share a story of revolutionaries – a story I have found to be inspiring in many ways. I hope the book can widely share the little-known history of extraordinary liberation fighters and a different way of how we value women’s labor everywhere. It is the personal story of love, heartbreak, and the liberation of one woman, Joana, as well as that of a nation. It is also an exploration into how the female fighter who takes up arms is often romanticized, but as a society, we are yet to normalize the full intrinsic value of the everyday, non-violent contributions women already make.”
Born in the American Midwest, Shryock moved to Dakar at age 24 and has since built a career as a writer and photographer, with her work appearing in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Times. Over the years, she’s worked to unlearn old narratives, letting West African realities take center stage in her storytelling. Her journalism often centers West African perspectives, a lens she brings to The Moon Will Not Burn Us. Living in Dakar with her husband and two daughters, Shryock remains committed to amplifying stories that reshape how we see the world.
Congratulations Ricci Shryock!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
