Swallows of Kabul: A Novel
5 journalers for this copy...
This is a wonderful book that deals with the stoning of a woman in Afghanistan, the "mentality of Islamic fundamentalists and the complexities of the Muslim world." (from cover flap) Especially relevant for today's readers who are exploring the questions of religious fundamentalism.
Planning to send to a fellow bookcrosser for the 2010 HGG.
Planning to send to a fellow bookcrosser for the 2010 HGG.
Mailed to ApoloniaX as part of HGG 2010. Enjoy!
This is a nightmarish, excellent read. Beautiful language (and it seems to be a very good translation) - very much in contrast to the harrowing descriptions of 90s Kabul and its inhabitants. Very recommendable!
(Might go to an Asia VBB.)
(Might go to an Asia VBB.)
Journal Entry 5 by ApoloniaX at South Asian VBB, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thanks for putting this wonderful looking book into the South Asian VBB, along with the great photocard.
I've stood at the top of the Kyber pass looking into Afghanistan but that's as close as I've been.
I've stood at the top of the Kyber pass looking into Afghanistan but that's as close as I've been.
This book described the claustrophobic life of living under extreme rule, the physical claustrophobia of women encased in a burqua and the issue for both genders is being unable to speak openly for fear of being punished.
I wonder if this book had been written by a women, as opposed to a man using a non-de-plume, would the characters have acted differently?
Other questions that I ponder after reading the book (contains spoilers, highlight to read).
Was Musarrat realistic in her actions, had she been living under a regime which denied her as a person so long she was truly delighted her husband had found love with another woman. Would she offer to make a meal for this person with such joy? Did Musarrat and Atiq both believe that Zunaira was like an gift that could be passed between men without consideration, because as a women Zunaira had no feelings/thoughts/opinions that counted.
I wonder if this book had been written by a women, as opposed to a man using a non-de-plume, would the characters have acted differently?
Other questions that I ponder after reading the book (contains spoilers, highlight to read).
Was Musarrat realistic in her actions, had she been living under a regime which denied her as a person so long she was truly delighted her husband had found love with another woman. Would she offer to make a meal for this person with such joy? Did Musarrat and Atiq both believe that Zunaira was like an gift that could be passed between men without consideration, because as a women Zunaira had no feelings/thoughts/opinions that counted.
Journal Entry 8 by kiwiinengland at Manchester, Greater Manchester United Kingdom on Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Released 12 yrs ago (4/30/2011 UTC) at Manchester, Greater Manchester United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Taking the slow boat to Australia, as chosen from Apoloniax's Asian VBB.
Book arrived yesterday (20th) almost three months on the slow boat - but no worries as I've had plenty to read in the meantime.
Thanks for sending to me KiwiinEngland.
Thanks for sending to me KiwiinEngland.
I read this one last year about November. great book and now its ready to move on as part of the first page asian vbb.
Journal Entry 11 by Dancesports at Asian First Page VBB, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Released 12 yrs ago (1/11/2012 UTC) at Asian First Page VBB, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
on the way to the Netherlands
Thank you Dancesports! What a nice surprise to find 2 packages from you in the mail. :)
Another one of those books that I've heard about or seen in the bookstores ('The Reluctant Fundamentalist' too), and thought that I would like to read it someday, but never did. So.. thank you for the opportunity :)
Another one of those books that I've heard about or seen in the bookstores ('The Reluctant Fundamentalist' too), and thought that I would like to read it someday, but never did. So.. thank you for the opportunity :)