The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

The Breadwinner is the story of Parvana, a young girl living in Taliban controlled Afghanistan.  When her father is arrested, Parvana is forced to dress like a boy and work in the marketplace to provide for her family.   


I think this book is an important read.  We hear about Afghanistan every day on the news, but this book paints a very real picture of what it is like for people in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.  It is especially bad for women.  They are not allowed to work or go to school.  The can only go outside in the company of a man, and even then, they have to be completely covered.  Parvana talks about having to quit school and about having to move constantly because their houses keep getting bombed.  


The novel is well-written and a fairly quick read.   However, I found myself stopping often to reflect on things Parvana said or event that were happening.  I will also warn you that there are a few parts that are brutal.  She goes into detail about how people are punished and some of the things people have to do to survive.  


There are two more books that continue the story: Parvana's Journey and Mud City.  I would like to read them because the ending of The Breadwinner is a little disappointing because it feels cut off.  Overall, I liked the book, and I thought that it tied nicely to current world events.  


Do you have a book you want to share?  Email me at mrs.schuette at gmail.com a short highlight of the novel, and I'll post it on here.  Happy reading :)