The Breadwinner

I read all of The Breadwinner in one sitting; it was so good!  Dr. Jones was right, the ending left me wanting to know what happens next.  I couldn't believe what happened to Parvana's father and everything that her family had to go through after he got arrested.  While I had known that the Taliban imposed strict rules on the citizens of Afghanistan, I had no idea about some of the things they were expected to do.  For example, blacking out all windows so that the women inside the house could not be seen.  It's all so extreme, I have trouble containing my outrage that people are expected to live like this, especially those who disagree so strongly with the Taliban.  It is unfortunate that people like Parvana's parents were forced out of their jobs and had to hide their books and other signs of education.

I guess my biggest challenge is understanding how a small faction of people who believe in these extreme views were able to come to power and force their beliefs on the other citizens of the country.  I guess having a stronger sense of Middle Eastern history would help me with this.  Also, this book reminded me of how precarious any civil war or revolt in a country can be.  It seems that Afghanistan was susceptible to Taliban takeover after the Soviets left the country.  While I can't say that Soviet control (or control by any other country for that matter) would have been better for Afghanistan, I wish there was a better way for a country to begin self-government after a foreign invader leaves.  Although Egypt's current situation is not exactly similar (its citizens are currently rebelling against their 30-year "elected" president), I saw a political cartoon in the Democrat and Chronicle that implied that Egypt could be the next "domino" to fall to radical Islam.  Judging from what has happened in many other Middle Eastern countries, this does not seem like an impossible fate.  I hope, however, that Egypt's current situation does not lead to Taliban control, especially if this means that citizens will endure the same rules and regulations that have sequestered and impoverished Parvana's family.

The scene in the stadium when Parvana and her friend are watching the Taliban deal with prisoners was particularly shocking to me.  The fact that her mother then said that it happens "every Friday" was even more chilling.  No wonder no one in the country wants to speak out against the Taliban!  No one wants to end up dead, in jail,...or worse.  I sincerely hope that the citizens of Afghanistan can unite and regain control of their government in order to establish a less cruel ruling system.

While I was reading, I found myself holding my breath when Parvana walked outside without a male escort.  It was almost as though I was walking with her, looking for Taliban militia at every turn.  When Parvana (as a boy) escorts her older sister and other siblings outside for the first time in a year and a half, I found myself imagining how the suns rays must feel when you haven't been outside in such a long time.  This also really made me appreciate being born and raised in this country.  I think, too often, I take it for granted that I can walk outside whenever I want and travel anywhere in the country without fear of being arrested or bombed or anything.  I can't imagine what women like Parvana and her mother and sisters go through having to live in virtual seclusion every day. 

Overall, I loved this book, and I want to read the next one as soon as possible!