Review: The Dressmaker of Khair Khana (Gayle Tzemach Lemmon)

Title: The Dressmake of Khair Khan: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep them Safe

Author: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Genre: Adult non-fiction

Pages: 235

Rating: 4 out of 5

Challenges: Reading from my shelves

FTC Disclosure: I bought this book

Summary (from the inside flap of the book): The life Kamila Sidiqi had known changed overnight when the Taliban seized control of the city of Kabul. After receiving a teaching degree during the civil war--a rare achievement for an Afghan woman--Kamila was subsequently banned from school and confined to her home. When her father and brother were forced to flee the city, Kamila became the sole breadwinner for her five siblings. Armed only with grit and determination, she picked up a needle and thread and created a thriving business of her own.

Review: Every time I read another book about Afghanistan, and in particular a book that is about Afghan women, I think I am going to read the same story as before. However, each woman's experience under the Taliban is slightly different and so, each time I learn something new and get a different perspective on this country in the news.

I've seen this one around the blogosphere and there were some mixed reviews. Since so many reviews have already been done, here's my summary:

Disliked:

• Moved too slowly. It was half way through the book before we got into the sewing business. However, I do think some background was necessary to understand Kamila and her situation
• I wanted more about the women's personalities. I know this is non-fiction, but I wanted more character development

Liked:

• Although it is non-fiction it reads like a novel. I definitely had to remind myself that it was a true story
• What wonderful, strong women! Kamila and her sisters and friends took risks, challenged themselves, and made a great success
• The surrounding story (Afghanistan, Taliban) is interesting and well told

Geography Connection:

(photo credit for right photo)

Click to see my updated Google Map. Another book set in Afghanistan, but somehow I feel like I learn more and different things from each one I read!