Review of Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan

[tarafarah7]

Today's BOTD is a memoir that combines hope and beauty with war and terror. Readers interested in inspiring stories of survival, family, and resilience, while learning about the country and culture of Afghanistan (past and present) will definitely want to pick this one up today. Thank you so much for your amazing review! (Also, I have to say I absolutely love the cover...it's stunning!)

[Chrystal Oaks]

This memoir about a journey from Afghanistan to Canada sounds truly inspirational and educational. It's sad when freedoms and cultures are ripped away in a country, but it's also a way to learn and grow personally in other countries. Great review!

[Olaseni ademide]

Once Upon a Time in Afghanistan by Nazila Sawhney is a non-fiction book that narrates ideally a lot of things about the author's life in Afghanistan before and after major events that took place in Afghanistan, and life after moving away from Afghanistan. This memoir is sure to elicit raw emotions from the reader. Congratulations on BOTD.

[Runan]

The author shares with the readers the independence Afghanistan enjoyed during the 1960s and her life in Afghanistan. She details her journey, from having to flee Afghanistan to ending up as refugees in the USA. She also discusses her inter-religious marriage and her foray into the fashion world. It was pleasing to learn about all these details from your review.

[Misael Carlos]

I commend the author for sharing her book because through her experiences living in Afghanistan the readers will have knowledge of the country and know it as never before. I love reading nonfiction books because of the learning and relevance and relatedness it may bring forth to the readers.

[Kaitlyn Canedy]

Even though the author survived a traumatic experience, she does not let this affect her ability to persevere through life's challenges. Readers may very well change their perspective about Afghanistan citizens. Thanks for the review!

[todwyer01]

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting memoir about the author's life and experiences with her family's flight from Afghanistan during the Conflict. It might be worth a second look. Well done.

[Javeria Abu Sufyan]

Nazila Sawhney's "Once Upon a Time in Afghanistan" offers a poignant narrative of Afghanistan's tumultuous history, weaving together personal anecdotes, historical context, and socio-political analysis. Through the lens of her own family's experiences, Sawhney illuminates the complexities of Afghan society, from its rich cultural heritage to the devastating impacts of war and foreign intervention.

One of the strengths of Sawhney's work is her ability to humanize the Afghan people, portraying them not merely as victims or aggressors, but as individuals with agency and resilience. By foregrounding personal stories alongside broader historical events, she fosters empathy and understanding, challenging simplistic narratives often perpetuated in Western media.

Furthermore, Sawhney's exploration of gender dynamics adds depth to her portrayal of Afghan society. She highlights the diverse experiences of Afghan women, from the relative freedoms of the pre-Taliban era to the oppressive constraints imposed by extremist regimes. This nuanced perspective counters stereotypes and acknowledges the agency of Afghan women in shaping their own destinies.

However, while Sawhney's emphasis on personal narratives lends emotional weight to her narrative, it occasionally detracts from the broader historical analysis. The book could benefit from more in-depth discussions of key events and political dynamics, providing readers with a clearer understanding of the context in which these personal stories unfold.

Overall, "Once Upon a Time in Afghanistan" is a compelling and insightful exploration of a complex and often misunderstood country. Sawhney's blend of personal storytelling and historical analysis offers a valuable perspective on Afghanistan's past, present, and future, making it essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this troubled region.

[Sara Rispo]

I have a great fascination for stories that encompass different countries and their cultures. The idea of experiencing a foreign land through the eyes of someone who has lived there is intriguing to me. That's why I'm excited to try out this book. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in her experiences and gaining valuable insights into a world that is different from my own.

[Kooex007]

Afghanistan was a beautiful country before the emergence of war , where people were happy and even tourists from other part of the world visited . The war changes everything for the people , father away from daughter and their mother

[Seamstress]

Why do people keep doing such awful things to each other? I agree with the reviewer that reading this book will be equal to the news from the latest war zone. Not sure if I like more detailed and personal view on such a traumatic experience, so I probably will skip the book, but congrats with BOTD, anyway!

[MARTHA UGOCHI ASOGWA]

The book provides a glimpse into the Afghanistan of the past, contrasting it with the Afghanistan portrayed in present-day media coverage. It sheds light on the transformations the country has undergone and the impact of historical events on the lives of individuals. This historical context offers a valuable perspective for readers.

[Dalia Chf]

I read a sample of this book and it was enthralling! Afghanistan's history is so captivating and mysterious, it's really good that there is now a book about a citizen's journey through its ups and downs. I love books with flashbacks into childhood, thanks for highlighting that! Great review!

[Rodel Barnachea]

I am fascinated by the author's childhood in Afghanistan. I am intrigued by the the events that led to the author's family's escape from Afghanistan during the conflict. I am interested in learning why the author and her family had to leave their hometown and travel to India through Pakistan.

[Surabhi Rani]

'Official Review: Once Upon A Time in Afghanistan' by Nazila Sawhney presents a thorough and detailed picture of the contents of the memoir for avid readers. It sheds light on the major as well as the minor details of the non-fiction work. The point that the author recounts her experiences and the events that led to her family's escape from Afghanistan during the conflict is worth mentioning in the review. Most importantly, she provides an insider's perspective, which helps level the playing field of migrants. Also, as mentioned in the review, the author recounts her family's escape from Kabul, their time in India, and their eventual journey to Canada as refugees. Learning that readers would hear a survivor's account and gain a better understanding of the situation was great!