Book Review The Breadwinner

Written by Deborah Ellis

I recently read The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. This book is about a resilient girl who overcomes many obstacles in Afghanistan.

The Breadwinner tells the story of Parvana, who lives in Kabul Afghanistan with her three siblings Ali, Maryam, and Nooria, and their parents. The story takes place when the Taliban took over Afghanistan in the 1990's.

This book highlights how things change in Afghanistan since the Taliban take over. Woman are treated badly and women and girls cannot have jobs, go to school, or even leave the house without a man. Woman also get beat up for no reason and have to paint their bedroom windows black so people cannot see them. Parvana feels sad and sickened by all the changes. Because of them, she has to take extreme measures to survive in her community.

One day, members of the Taliban destroy Parvana's house and arrest her father. Parvana and her mother go to the jail where he is being held to tell members of the Taliban that he has not committed a crime. However, the jail is far from their home, and they have to walk all the way there. They are tired because of the heat, and because they had to wear their burqas, which are clothes that covered their whole body, even their faces. When they got to the jail, members of the Taliban hurt Parvana and her mother. Ultimately, they are not able to free her father. As a result of this experience, however Parvana finds a unique way to overcome the restrictions on women and girls. Read the book to find out exactly how she does this!

Anyone who reads The Breadwinner will agree that women living in Afghanistan under Taliban rule had to be very brave to survive. I would recommend this book to people who like historical fiction and to those who are interested in, and strive to fight for human rights.

I didn't know there is unfair treatment to women in Afghanistan. I am very curious on what they do to get through the thing. – James , Sennett Middle School (2015-12-29 16:43)
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