Young Latifa is growing up in Afghanistan, living the same type of life that we enjoy; she likes boys, books, movies, and writing. She is a Muslim girl from a fairly well-to-do family with its own share of tragedy. Latifa and her family are living in Kabul when the Taliban arrive. This book is her journal and observations of the life that was taken away from her versus the life she was forced to lead as the Taliban systematically tried to eradicate women from society and Afghanistan. She calls out the Taliban's hypocrisy and denounces them from the religion of Islam. And Latifa, although oppressed, still manages to defy the Taliban although to serious risk to herself and family.

I really liked the fact that this was a journal; a true to life story about one person and her family during a true crisis. It is current and courageous.

I didn't like the way some of the book didn't flow. Although Latifa wrote about the history of Afghanistan to give the reader and idea as to what was going on to give the story context, some of it was out of place. It would have been better had she maybe started the book with the history for background and then added in the journal.

I wanted to do all I could to support and defend Afghan people, especially the women who have lived under the Taliban's oppression.

I felt guilty for having such a good life, with all of its pitfalls, while women were being raped, murdered, hidden, oppressed, and otherwise abused in another country.

Latifa had the courage to come forward to tell her story although her very life was at stake.

I recommend this book because it demonstrates the very humanity of the faceless nation about whose interest we all debate. Latifa puts a face on a current event and makes us identify with her.

I wouldn't recommend this book to children due to some of the content. Although not extremely detailed, it would be disturbing to younger readers. I'd give it a PG-13.

I'm amazed that while this was happening, the United States and United Nations didn't get involved. This makes me wonder what's happening with our Foreign Policy when it is well known that the Taliban took power illegally, and Pakistan was the only country that officially recognized their government. Where were we?

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Created Jul 04, 2002 at 2:11am • Submit your own review...