Quote by Aminatta Forna: “Sometimes, to move forward, one must look back.”

This quote suggests that true progress isn't always about forgetting the past. Instead, deeply understanding history, even painful parts, can be essential for truly moving on, healing, and building a better, more informed future.

In the wake of civil conflict, many post-conflict societies debated how to reconcile with their pasts. Forna argued for the necessity of confronting historical truths to achieve genuine societal healing and sustainable progress.

Sierra Leonean-Scottish author whose novels and memoir The Devil That Danced on the Water confront war, loss, and justice with unflinching intelligence. Her novel Happiness was published in 2018 and explores urban grief and connection across cultures.