portrays a culture that emphasizes patriarchal family, love of country and fierce loyalty to family and tribe. Although the story takes place against the backdrop of war, it is not political, but a simple story about one day in the life of a young girl. After waking before dawn, Habiba and her sister go out to fetch water. Following a breakfast of khojur, she tags along with her brother and father as they bring the sheep to pasture. She goes to school outside with other girls; the boys attend school later in the day. Her family is preparing for cousins and an aunt and uncle to move in with them and Habiba wonders how everyone will fit into their small home. A country overview and glossary is included for parents and teachers who want to go beyond the story and talk more about Afghanistan and why it is important. In English and Afghan Farsi.My Take on the BookAs you begin to read this story you will notice there are two forms of text on each page. One is in English and the other is in Dari, also known as Afghan Farsi. It is read from the right to the left.
This story takes place in Bamiyan, a city in central Afghanistan. It is a story about one day in the life a little girl.
Habiba's mother wakes her early in the morning so she may fetch the water they will use during the day. She must make two trips . When she returns her mother and sister have made breakfast.
'
Habiba follows her father as they take the sheep to pasture . She continues to walk to her all girls school which meets in the morning. She is very fortunate to be able to attend school because in many cities girls cannot attend school. It is a fact there are more males literate than females today in Afghanistan.
While Habiba is harvesting herbs from the family garden she hears that her cousins are going to arrive soon to live with them. Their home has been destroyed by the war. At the same time this happens her uncle , who lost his legs in the war, tells of his days as a soldier. Everyone in some way is affected by the war.
Habiba brings the sheep home in the afternoon. Her cousins arrive as she returns home. They carry all their belongings with them. They are very sad but grateful for a new place to call home.
The entire family shares a meal and prays together. They listen to the BBC broadcast on her father's radio. Then the children go to sleep. The girls and boys sleep in separate areas divided by a curtain. The adults stay up to talk. There are a lot of people in Habiba's house now but they are family .
This is as story about family . It is common for families to move in together with the war raging in Afghanistan. The family takes care of each other through good and bad times. It is a way of life.
You will enjoy reading this book and seeing how life is for this child. Read the ending pages which give definitions for the words used in the book and the history behind the story. You will find it interesting. It will give you an new perspective on the war there and how it affects the people of Afghanistan. You will see their resilience and their dedication to family.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?
Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader
Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment