I read this book in January and found it both fascinating and disturbing. I also read "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson. His goal is to build village schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan for boys AND girls. He feels that is the way to a better future. Check out Border's Book Club for the video of him meeting with a book club about his book.

http://www.bordersmedia.com/bookclub/default.asp

I think I should have Ben read this. He has actually been to Kabul and has told me a lot about the culture. It is interesting b/c while he was there, he didn't talk much about it. But now with books like Kite Runner out he has talked a lot more about his experience over there.

Laurel - I've heard a lot about Greg Mortenson's book. It's definitely on my To Be Read list. It sounds as if it's a lot more optimistic than this one.

Marie - I don't know if Ben would like the book or not, but I'd be interested to hear his opinion. The author makes Kabul sound like a filthy, crumbling city dominated by greedy, merciless men. What were Ben's impressions?

This sounds like a very interesting book. There are several books about Afghanistan I'd like to read but I haven't got around to any of them yet.

This sort of situation is very common in patriarchal families which are the norm generally in Asian and Muslim societies. I completely agree with you here - "this dichotomy is one of the most intriguing and odious things".

I'd love to read this book. Count me in.

I'm also going to post this at my book review/contest blog - A Book Blogger's Diary

Hope that's ok with you. Thanks!
aBookworm / aBookBlogger

Very interesting. One of my former students was from Afghanistan, and she had some very heart wrenching stories. I'll have to add this to my list.

Wow! What an in depth look at the Afghanistan family ways. Please enter me in your drawing. This books sounds very interesting and intriguing!!!!!
Thanks very much.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

I've been wanting to read this for some time, now. I'd love to enter!

Breenibooks[at]gmail[dot]com

Thanks!

I am very interested in reading this unique novel.

This books sounds great! Please enter me in your drawing! I love to read and love to review books. This looks fantastic!

I've read a couple of books about Afghanistan, but I am definitely interested in reading more (as long as you don't mind posting overseas!)

Well Ben says he was offended that you didn't mention him :) But, he said that what you put in the comments was right on. Hmmm...

Please count me in for the book drawing - sounds fascinating! Thanks! ~ :)

I am definitely learning a lesson here - giveaways are the way to get comments! LOL. Keep them coming...

I forgot to mention - one of the things I love about comments is checking out the profiles and blogs of my readers. Once you post here, there's no hiding from me! I will add your book blogs to my blogroll when I get the time, but would you let me know if you DON'T want me to add your blog? I know some of you might want to keep your blogs small and simple, so just LMK. Otherwise, I will be snooping around all of your blogs soon!

I love this book. Count me in!

this sounds like an amazing book- yes please!

This sounds like a great book - I'm in for the drawing! :-)

Excellent review! I've wanted to read this book for awhile, so I'd be happy to be entered in your drawing! =)

Susan, I am looking forward to reading this one and have been for awhile now. I am like you in that I like to read about certain countries, but I am not sure I would ever want to set foot in them. Perhaps if things were more peaceful . . . Anyhow, this was a wonderful review!

Please don't enter me in the contest as I already have this one on my shelf.

I love giving away books, knowing they are going into the hands of someone who really will appreciate the gift. :-)

If you don't mind posting overseas I would like to be added to the draw. The book sounds fascinating.

A couple of people have asked if I'm willing to send the book overseas. I absolutely am, so please enter - no matter where you live.

Thishas been on my tbr pile for a long time, I'd like to enter. Thanks!

Please enter me. I would like to read this for...possible research purposes. thanks!

I loved this book and would like to win a copy to give to a friend!

I was trying to remember where I just barely heard about this book and then I realized I have you in my feed reader and I heard it from you! I forgot to make my way over here to post a comment!

This book sounds fascinating. I recently read The Breadwinner and A Thousand Splendid Suns this past month. One of my books clubs is reading The Kite Runner (yes, I will be the last person to finally be reading this) this month. Now I must add this one to my TBR to round out my reading about Afganistan.

Thanks for a great review.

I would love a copy of this! I would say my chances are quite slim though....you have a lot of entrants! Slip my name in the pot too please!

Sounds interesting! Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you.

a friend of mine recommended this one to me a while ago, and i'm planning to read it this year. it'd be great to win a copy of it! :)

Looks like I'm just barely making the deadline. I'd love to read this book. Our book club met yesterday and discussed "A Thousand Splendid Suns". I highly recommend it.

The story does a nice job of showing the structure of the patriarchal family and the affect war has had on the society is visible in the descriptions throughout the story. Cultural traditions are also highlighted in the text. The thing I found most striking in this book was how different women are treated in society and within the family compared to Western culture.