Book review by Patricia Sy-Gomez
This coming-of-age book about a brave young Afghan girl named Parvana and her journey is a must-read for children and adults alike. Young readers’ minds would be opened as to the plight of Afghans, their struggle against the Taliban, their lack of access to food and education, their oppression of women and their constant exposure to bombs due to the war.
Though it will be a shock to the poor readers, especially the part where they had nothing to eat for several days and had no choice but to eat something that isn’t for human consumption, the story is nonetheless engaging. Eleven-year-old Parvana’s indomitable spirit will win you over. She is creative, courageous, tenacious and resilient. Her imperfect but interesting life is something you would want to know more about. You continue reading because you want to see how her story ends. If she finally gets her happy ending or not.
Dorothy Ellis did a wonderful job with the story and the emotions are all there. It is like being in the same place as Parvana, watching her close. Her characters are also three-dimensional, they have their temper but you root for them still because you know where they are coming from and you know of their dreams. Besides can you really blame them for their temper when they are suffering from starvation and are surrounded by desolation?
I highly recommend this book to both girls and boys of ages eleven and above. It would educate them, inspire them, remind them to be grateful and most of all impart on them the gospel truth that in life you can be the hero of your story if you never give up.
