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Summary: Zoya's Story" An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom
Review: Although I understand what she went through it seemed almost sanitized. I would be interested to know what she is doing now and possibly what happened to the other characters in the book. They seem to float in an out of the story as neeeded.
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Summary: Profile in Courage
Review: As a high school history teacher, I am always looking for materials that will engage and is appropriate for a young adult audience. Zoya's Story does a masterful job of telling a remarkable story about an extraordinary young woman that will catch the attention of younger readers (which is a challenge with political and historical material). The vocabulary is understandable for younger readers but is not simplistic. The understated writing style is powerful and accessible for diverse readers. And although the examples of horrible cruelty and absurdity are many, the author doesn't dwell on them so the story doesn't seem tiresome or preachy.
Zoya's desire not to marry or give birth is in a certain sense unsettling as she seems in so many ways a caring and compassionate person. However, her commitment to her people and to RAWA apparently doesn't leave time for personal pleasures and serious heterosexual relationships.
I hope there is a sequel to Zoya's Story---it would be interesting in a few years to see where Zoya is, whether her spirit is unwavering and what she makes of the Northern Alliance, the United States, RAWA, etc.
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Summary: Can you imagine...
Review: Can you imagine... living in a house with dried mud walls and being comfortable sharing your room with termites that you could hear munching hungrily? How about going to a public bath? Having only a lightbulb to keep yourself warm? Not going to school until age 14? Daily living with the danger of being whipped, raped, or killed? Witnessing a man's hands being cut off?Zoya's story begins when Zoya is 4 years old, and the Russians are occupying her country. What Zoya experiences, the reader experiences - the time she meets a woman Russian soldier, how she reacts, and what her Grandmother tells her later about Russians ("not all Russians are bad"); the times she spends with her father's books and her father, going over the only homework she has - what he has given her; times spent flying a kite; times spent listening to her grandmother's wonderful stories of times past in other countries as well as her own; times spent asking her mother why she's never home with Zoya and as she grows older, Zoya's happiness at being included in her mother's work. Zoya's story is laid out nicely; there are chapters that are separated by time frames (the first being the Russian occupation; the last being the attack on the U.S. and the events that followed). It's easy to understand, and interesting. I was fascinated by the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), what their goals were, the courageous women (and men) who risked their lives to help others, and how RAWA put money into educating girls like Zoya as well as women of all ages who were refugees who did not know how to read or write. RAWA also put money into hospitals. Hearing about the loss and deep despair of the people of Afghanistan was gut-wrenching, but helped me to learn what life is like there and to be inspired by Zoya's willingness to help others.
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Summary: A Double Contribution
Review: I bought this book as soon as the Italian translation was available and read it in one go. I have followed RAWA's activities throughout the last few years and I just wanted to be able to see the immense efforts performed by its members under a daily life perspective. I wanted to know how it is possible to survive in the middle of war and be a pacifist. I wanted a woman's perspective.
Zoya's story is sad, yet full of strenght and hope, and by reading it one feels how crucial it is to support RAWA's fight against fundamentalism in every possible way, now more that ever, since the old warlords are back to their criminal activities with full support of the US government and the Afghan tragedy will be very likely forgotten once again.
This is a book which teaches you what enduring freedom really is about.
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Summary: Great book!
Review: I loved the book and love the courage of Zoya. Women like Zoya should become all oppressed women's role models!
This book is entertaining and the same time educating!
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Summary: Excellent story of a woman with courage
Review: I thought this book was excellent and the story made me think twice about what I have and what other people live through. Zoya has true courage along with her RAWA sisters. It is so nice to hear that there are people behind the scenes still fighting for their country, especially women. I believe one day all their great work will help Afghanistan get back to the place their love and remember it to be. Definetly worth a read.
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Summary: Excellent story of a woman with courage
Review: I thought this book was excellent and the story made me think twice about what I have and what other people live through. Zoya has true courage along with her RAWA sisters. It is so nice to hear that there are people behind the scenes still fighting for their country, especially women. I believe one day all their great work will help Afghanistan get back to the place their love and remember it to be. Definetly worth a read.
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Summary: Putting a name & face to the numerous victims
Review: It is so sad to read about Zoya & the numerous other women's plight in their war-torn country. They do not only suffer from the physical effects of war but more so on the debilitating suppression on womanhood brought about by culture & religion. Putting a name & face to these numerous victims we often hear about brings their woes closer to heart. It makes me realize how much we take for granted simple things we enjoy in life that would equate to a beating or degradation to their kind. I admire what Zoya & RAWA is doing for the Afghan women. I wish them more power & success in their endeavors.
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Summary: Putting a name & face to the numerous victims
Review: It is so sad to read about Zoya & the numerous other women's plight in their war-torn country. They do not only suffer from the physical effects of war but more so on the debilitating suppression on womanhood brought about by culture & religion. Putting a name & face to these numerous victims we often hear about brings their woes closer to heart. It makes me realize how much we take for granted simple things we enjoy in life that would equate to a beating or degradation to their kind. I admire what Zoya & RAWA is doing for the Afghan women. I wish them more power & success in their endeavors.
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Summary: ARE YOU SURE MANKIND IS CIVILIZED?
Review: The majority of most problems on earth is due to religion and this book is a great example of that fact. How Islam has a stranglehold on millions is beyond my comprehension. My "Western" mind is befuddled with the goings on as related in this book. The story will keep you spellbound and the author is only 23 but has experiences of a 60 yr. old. Oh my..whatta book.
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