As you may know from previous posts, I recently went on vacation with my family for two weeks. We had a lovely time in Florida, and on a Royal Carribean Cruise. It was truly a beautiful break away. In preparing from our trip, I chose to bring the following books: Mockingbird, Half Blood Blues and Dressmaker of Khair Khana. I read them in this order, and WOW, was it great to finish with such and incredible book!
Gayle Lemmon's non-fiction Dressmaker of Khair Khana is spectacular. I couldn't put it down! Ironically, I contributed this book to my Book Club's Christmas Book Exchange party. My friend Anna ended up selecting it, and she tore through it in only a few days. She gladly lent it to me for my vacation, and I'm sure that she knew I would love it!
This is the true story of five sisters living in Kabul, Afghanistan during the invasion by the Taliban in the late 1990's. Kamila, the industrious leader of the household is determined to earn a living and provide food and shelter for her siblings. Although the Taliban's rigid Sharea laws forbid women to work or attend school, they are forced to use the chadri in public and are not to leave their homes unless escorted by a man. Women are not allowed to speak to men, listen to music, show any of their skin in public.
Dressmaker showed me how industrious women can be when they are challenged by the system. They find ways to feed and educate their families. They see the obligation to work for the betterment of their society.
The PBS article covering this book is worth a read: PBS Article on Dressmaker.
I was so disappointed in the Canada Reads competition, that eliminated this book so early on in the first round of debates. I think it should be used in schools to educate our youth on the differences that women and children face in different cultures.
I highly recommend this book. It's a MUST READ.
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| A Fabulous Read... Couldn't Put it Down! |
This is the true story of five sisters living in Kabul, Afghanistan during the invasion by the Taliban in the late 1990's. Kamila, the industrious leader of the household is determined to earn a living and provide food and shelter for her siblings. Although the Taliban's rigid Sharea laws forbid women to work or attend school, they are forced to use the chadri in public and are not to leave their homes unless escorted by a man. Women are not allowed to speak to men, listen to music, show any of their skin in public.
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| Kamila Sidiqi: The Dressmaker |
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| Woman Wearing Chadri |
The PBS article covering this book is worth a read: PBS Article on Dressmaker.
I was so disappointed in the Canada Reads competition, that eliminated this book so early on in the first round of debates. I think it should be used in schools to educate our youth on the differences that women and children face in different cultures.
I highly recommend this book. It's a MUST READ.
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