BRUSSELS - In We, Roma there are 99 distinct stories of Roma. The themes are broad, from their own language to their own court, from Iftar to Mary worship, from prejudice to the affirmation of certain stereotypes.
In the book, Margot Vanderstraeten allows only Roma to speak. She approached them through the usual journalistic route of new journalism, spoke to them and met them.
“It was an intense work. Trust came slowly but gradually increased absolutely and palpably. I very definitely think I got closer to them through this path. And 'Wij, Roma' definitely exposes a world that is totally foreign to us. And about which we have numerous opinions.”
The insight into this very diverse community, with its specific traditions, is in itself an achievement. The social relevance and urgency speaks for itself. It remains surprising to this day that, following Conner Rousseau's statements, no other journalist has sought out Roma.
BOOK (only in Dutch)
- Title: Wij, Roma
Author: Margot Vanderstraeten
Publisher: Pelckmans, Kalmthout
ISBN: 978 94 6383 530 5
Release date: 16/08/2024
PRESS
- Roma herdenken de Holocaust, Knack, 07/08/2024.
- 'Wij weten niks van elkaar, wij leven in parallelle werelden': Margot Vanderstraeten in gesprek met Biser Alekov, De Morgen, 31/08/2024.
- “Met dank aan onbehouwen gedrag van Conner Rousseau”: Margot Vanderstraeten geeft Roma-gemeenschap stem in boek, Gazet van Antwerpen, 31/08/2024.
- Margot Vanderstraeten toont in 'Wij, Roma' hoe divers gemeenschap is (en schuwt clichés niet): "Ik wilde niet romantiseren of criminaliseren", VRT, 02/09/2024.
- “Over twee weken word ik oma, op mijn 35ste. Hoe bijzonder is dat?” Vijf Roma vertellen over hun onbekende, vaak gecontesteerde manier van leven, Het Laatste Nieuws, 02/09/2024.
- ‘Wij, Roma’ van Margot Vanderstraeten: Met dank aan Conner Rousseau, Het Nieuwsblad, 06/06/2024.
- “Wij schieten als samenleving tekort tegenover de Roma”, De Standaard, 07/09/2024.
- Roma maken zichzelf zichtbaar, Apache, 13/09/2024.
