Review of Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan

[Seetha E]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan" by Nazila Sawhney.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Nazila Sawhney's non-fiction book, Once Upon a Time in Afghanistan, recounts her experiences and the events that led to her family's escape from Afghanistan during the conflict. Through her storytelling, she takes the readers on a journey from the Afghanistan she knew to the Afghanistan we all know now, thanks to news and social media coverage after the US troops handed over control. As soon as I saw the title and description, I was reminded of the graphic details that were constantly on the news, and it was traumatic just to watch it as a viewer. However, I was intrigued to hear a survivor's account and gain a better understanding of the situation.

The story transitions into a flashback as the author reminisces about her childhood in Afghanistan. She describes growing up with her parents, four siblings, and extended family, attending school, spending time with friends, and traveling by car to visit relatives during Eid. She talks about the independence that Afghan people enjoyed in the 1960s, referring to her homeland as an exciting adventure and a popular tourist attraction for Americans and Europeans. However, the plot takes a turn when two significant events occur, causing her family to leave Kabul and travel to India through Pakistan. Will her grandfather return after being arrested? And what was in the note that Nazila's teacher sent home?

She recounts the story of their escape from Kabul, their time in India, and their eventual journey to Canada as refugees. She shares the challenges they faced upon arriving in Canada: her father's credentials did not guarantee him a job of his level, but her parents took whatever work was available to make ends meet. As a foreign student, she felt vulnerable, and she discusses her inter-religious marriage to an Indian man named Samir, her firm decision to abandon her daughter's medicine course, and her trip to India to learn about designing, creating, and selling garments.

Nazila has a unique way of sharing her experiences that elicit raw emotions from the reader. Her stories take you on an emotional journey filled with both joy and sadness. I found it relatable how she emphasized her loyalty to her family and allowed her father to decide on her marriage. It was refreshing to read her perspective, especially during a time when the world was busy criticizing her homeland. She helps shed light on the other side of the story and provides an insider's perspective, which helps level the playing field for migrants. I admire how she didn't let survivor's guilt consume her and instead, took action to help those left behind and created a positive impact.

I couldn't find a single negative thing to say about this book, even though I was anticipating a story about a survivor of the 2021 event. Instead, the narrative takes us back to the 1980s and chronicles the author's family's escape. Nevertheless, the book still provided me with what I was looking for - an insider's perspective from a survivor, the author's patriotism, her sense of belonging, and her tale of strength and perseverance. Reading this book gave me a sense of closure for my grief. Our self-identification influences how others perceive us. Therefore, we should seize opportunities in life's challenges and not let negative identities drag us down. Only then can we genuinely feel liberated and shine in any circumstance. The author has reinforced my belief that giving back is therapeutic.

With only a few minor flaws that do not distract the reader or warrant a reduced rating, I must state that the editing team did a decent job. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I'd also like to acknowledge Mehek for selecting an appropriate cover.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone looking for inspiration. It will benefit refugees and anyone interacting with them, particularly those reporting comparable circumstances.

******
Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I am intrigued by what Afghanistan looked like in the 1980s, and how Nazila's family managed to escape from the nation's conflict. Gladly, she discloses it to inspire others. I love your beautiful review, Seetha!

[Seetha E]

I am intrigued by what Afghanistan looked like in the 1980s, and how Nazila's family managed to escape from the nation's conflict. Gladly, she discloses it to inspire others. I love your beautiful review, Seetha!

Thanks for your kind words, Hazel. Her story will surely inspire many facing similar situations.

[The Keeper Jr]

As an Afghan, I totally understand the significance of this story. I think that what has happened over the past years, every one of us has nearly the same start for a new journey. I really appreciate that you read this book to have a complete view from an insider. I always hear tales and stories of the past and it's amazing. The 2021 conflicts again hit big but since I lived a year and a half in the new government, I think they are trying to rebuild the nation and bring back Islamic values. I would love to read about the inspiring life of the author. Thanks, Seetha for this beautiful review!

[Jakub Svoboda]

Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan by Seetha E. is an incredibly powerful and emotional read.

The book follows the story of a young Afghan girl, Leila, as she navigates her way through a war-torn country. Through Leila, we get to experience the horrors of war, the violence and cruelty of the Taliban, and the struggles of everyday life in Afghanistan.

The writing in the book is incredibly vivid and emotive. Seetha E paints a picture of Afghanistan and its people that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She captures the beauty of the country and culture, as well as the terror and destruction of war.

The characters are all wonderfully drawn and easy to connect with. Leila is a particularly strong character, and her story is filled with heartbreaking moments and moments of hope.

Overall, Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan is a powerful and emotional read that captures the beauty and horror of war. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in Afghan culture and history.

[Seetha E]

As an Afghan, I totally understand the significance of this story. I think that what has happened over the past years, every one of us has nearly the same start for a new journey. I really appreciate that you read this book to have a complete view from an insider. I always hear tales and stories of the past and it's amazing. The 2021 conflicts again hit big but since I lived a year and a half in the new government, I think they are trying to rebuild the nation and bring back Islamic values. I would love to read about the inspiring life of the author. Thanks, Seetha for this beautiful review!

I am happy that see hope in the present government. Her story is inspiring. Appreciate you for sharing your thoughts.

[Uchechi uk]

Not a fan of memoirs but you did take your time to give a breakdown of this book. It is appealing. Thanks.

[Seetha E]

Not a fan of memoirs but you did take your time to give a breakdown of this book. It is appealing. Thanks.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your feedback. Aprreciate it.

[Seetha E]

Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan by Seetha E. is an incredibly powerful and emotional read.

The book follows the story of a young Afghan girl, Leila, as she navigates her way through a war-torn country. Through Leila, we get to experience the horrors of war, the violence and cruelty of the Taliban, and the struggles of everyday life in Afghanistan.

The writing in the book is incredibly vivid and emotive. Seetha E paints a picture of Afghanistan and its people that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. She captures the beauty of the country and culture, as well as the terror and destruction of war.

The characters are all wonderfully drawn and easy to connect with. Leila is a particularly strong character, and her story is filled with heartbreaking moments and moments of hope.

Overall, Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan is a powerful and emotional read that captures the beauty and horror of war. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in Afghan culture and history.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your opinion!

[Stephen Pokoo]

My, what a well-crafted review! Your attention to detail and articulate analysis truly stand out.

[Upphilan Paul]

Afghanistan happens if be a good country until the happening of the two things the author mentioned in her book. I like this review for the fact that the reviewer tells us what the book is about.

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan" by Nazila Sawhney.]

Nazila Sawhney's non-fiction book, Once Upon a Time in Afghanistan, recounts her experiences and the events that led to her family's escape from Afghanistan during the conflict. Through her storytelling, she takes the readers on a journey from the Afghanistan she knew to the Afghanistan we all know now, thanks to news and social media coverage after the US troops handed over control. As soon as I saw the title and description, I was reminded of the graphic details that were constantly on the news, and it was traumatic just to watch it as a viewer. However, I was intrigued to hear a survivor's account and gain a better understanding of the situation.

The story transitions into a flashback as the author reminisces about her childhood in Afghanistan. She describes growing up with her parents, four siblings, and extended family, attending school, spending time with friends, and traveling by car to visit relatives during Eid. She talks about the independence that Afghan people enjoyed in the 1960s, referring to her homeland as an exciting adventure and a popular tourist attraction for Americans and Europeans. However, the plot takes a turn when two significant events occur, causing her family to leave Kabul and travel to India through Pakistan. Will her grandfather return after being arrested? And what was in the note that Nazila's teacher sent home?

She recounts the story of their escape from Kabul, their time in India, and their eventual journey to Canada as refugees. She shares the challenges they faced upon arriving in Canada: her father's credentials did not guarantee him a job of his level, but her parents took whatever work was available to make ends meet. As a foreign student, she felt vulnerable, and she discusses her inter-religious marriage to an Indian man named Samir, her firm decision to abandon her daughter's medicine course, and her trip to India to learn about designing, creating, and selling garments.

I was also thinking this was going to be a more modern version of the Afghanistan story; however, from your review, it appears no less impactful or relevant. I feel like these are stories that need to be told and need to be heard. We are oftentimes so limited in the information we receive, that it can literally poison us to people different from ourselves. You've created some bits of suspense yourself here, definitely makes me want to find the answers to the questions you pose! I enjoyed reading your review as always, well-written and thoughtful, thanks for sharing it with us!

[Leen282]

The book gives an insight into growing up in afghanistan way before the conflict forced the family to escape. I think I will enjoy learning about the life then, the culture, the habits. I will surely better understand refugees, who carry with them an entire life if experiences they had to leave behind to start over elsewhere.

[Nompulelo Moyo]

From the review, the book sounds intriguing. Reading about Afghanistan before the wars started is fascinating, and getting information from the person who lived there before all happened is something else. I cannot wait to read about the experiences of Nazila and what he went through after leaving her country.

[Patrícia Gomes]

I don't usually go for memoirs but nowadays they seem to be on the top of their game. This one sounds extremely interesting considering the traumatic experiences this family must have gone through to escape Afghanistan.