Review of Once Upon A Time In Afghanistan
Posted: 29 Aug 2023, 12:57
[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.
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
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