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Product Description

Independent
‘We’ve heard and read millions of words about living under the Taliban, yet it remains a distant horror. [The Breadwinner] brings everything to poignant life.’

Times Educational Supplement
‘While the story is bleak, Parvana’s courage and determination to survive in a man’s world is heartening.’

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Customer Reviews

6 Reviews

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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

A timely glimpse into the hardship under Taliban rule., 28 Nov 2001

By	Still Growing (Alaska, USA) - See all my reviews

The Breadwinner offers a timely glimpse into life in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule. Hopefully, this book will become a memorial for the hardship and oppression the common people experienced, especially women, under Taliban rule, now that the Taliban rule is crumbling as I write. The book though, gives a compelling portrait of how one family tries to cope and survive. 11 yr old Parvana disguises herself as a boy so she can sell things at the marketplace when the family no longer has a male who can escort a female or take care the family's day to day affairs. Parvana pushes aside her fears and gathers her courage to provide for her family. The book describes many difficult experiences, but doesn't go overboard so that it is still accessible for children. The book doesn't go into the religious or cultural reasons why the Taliban has set up these harsh rules. It's a great book to read about contemporary life in a distant land, one that is dominating the headlines of our newspapers.

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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

AN UPLIFTING TALE OF RESILIENCE AND STRENGTH, 13 Sep 2002

By	Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews

Accomplished actress Rita Wolf ably reads "The Breadwinner," an affecting story of childhood in a repressive land.

As difficult as it may be for those of us who live in a free country to imagine, there are parts of the world where women and girls are not allowed to leave the confines of their homes without a man, and they must wear clothing that covers every part of their bodies. A bizarre look back at some nether region? No, it is a way of life in Taliban ruled Afghanistan.

Parvana, an 11-year-old girl, lives with her family in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan during the days when the Taliban held sway. Her home is one room in a bomb damaged apartment building.

Parvana's father, a former history teacher, now earns the family's living by sitting on a blanket in the marketplace and reading correspondence for those who cannot read or write. While the pittance he earns is negligible, it is something. That is taken away when he is arrested. The charge? He has a foreign education.

Now, there is no one to earn a living for the family or even to leave the house to shop for food.

Before long it is evident there is only one solution if the family is to survive - Parvana must disguise herself as a boy and become the family's breadwinner.

Listeners will be astounded at the strength and courage displayed by Parvana and, quite possibly, be reminded of the bravery evidenced by thousands of youngsters in ravaged countries. "The Breadwinner" is, indeed a sobering story. It is also an uplifting tale of stamina and strength in the face of apparently insurmountable obstacles.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

An amazing story of everyday life, 24 Jan 2002

By A Customer

The Breadwinner is an inspirational story about the plight of a family living under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

The main character in the story is a young girl, Parvana. Due to the arrest of her father Parvana is forced to dress and work as a boy. If she does not do this then her family will starve.

In her quest to provide for her family Parvana finds herself placed in terrifying situations on an almost daily basis. Yet despite this Parvana also experiences the warmth of friendship and love of family.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

Excellent
This is a well written, eye-opening book about life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Pavana's mother is well educated but is forbidden to work because women have to... Read more

Published 12 months ago by MaryAnne

The Breadwinner
I really enjoyed this book and was so pleased when the second in the series came out. It is about a girl growing up under the rule of the Taliban and her life and adventures. Read more

Published 22 months ago by Catherine

This is an excellant book and I recomend it.
I thought it was a smashing book and I think it can get very upsetting in some parts of the book.
when you are reading the book it almost makes you feel like your there under... Read more

Published on 23 May 2002 by jack.collis@which.net

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