The Bookseller of Kabul
by Asne Seierstad
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Book Summary Information
Author: Asne SeierstadTranslator: Ingrid Christophersen
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-10-26
ISBN: 0316159417
Number of pages: 288
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Book Reviews of The Bookseller of Kabul
Book Review: Afghan Life After The Fall Of The Taliban
Summary: 4 Stars
"Sultan recounted stories: the sons laughed and joked. The atmosphere was unrestrained, and a huge contrast to the simple meals with commandos in the mountains. But I soon noticed that the women said little. Sultan's beautiful young wife sat quietly by the door with her baby in her arms. The other women answered questions put to them, but never initiated a conversation on their own. The belief in male superiority was so ingrained that it was never questioned." The author, Asne Seierstad, spent three months with Sultan Khan's family. A representation of an atypical middle class Afghani family, she first thought. The more she learned, the more she realized that some things never change. Sultan was a typical Afghan patriach like everybody else. What made the family atypical was that they were rich. However, Sultan did not like to spend money. So the way they lived, the way they ate, was typical after all.
The life of a middle class Afghani after the Taliban left is not one most of us would wish for ourselves. Their homes all have walls full of bullet holes. Many of the walls are crumbling; the floors are made of dirt. The entire home is usually 3-4 rooms; a small kitchen with no electricity. Much of the cooking is done outside on large cauldrons. The living space serves many purposes dining room living room and bed room. They all eat on the floor, at least the men and older women do, and the other women serve and eat when they can. Then this space becomes the everyday room and sleeping room. Mats are used for sleeping on the floor. A sink in the kitchen serves as a shower and general cleaning area. Much of the population wear the same clothes daily and go to a "bathhouse" for all-over cleaning every couple of weeks. This is the modern day world of Afghanistan.
After the Taliban left, it was hoped that life for the women would change, but it has not. They still must obey the man, marriages are arranged for them,and they have no say in how they live, who they will marry, whether they will be educated, and whether they will be able to work outside of the home. They must still wear the burka. The burka pinches the head, and causes headaches. It is very enclosed and little air gets in. You cannot see your feet so you must be aware of where you are working. And, it picks up a lot of dirt. Taking it off at home brings the feeling of liberation. Women have a very difficult life. However, the life the men lead is not without its issues.
Men and women are locked in their own worlds, no one is truly free.
The entire country is rather poor and much of it is uncivilized. The fact that Sultan saved books from the Taliban and had built up a very large library to sell books to whomever wanted to read them was a sign of recovery. But, not many people in his household read books and not all were educated, particularly the women.
One surprising detail is that in many parts of the country, especially in the southeastern part, homosexuality is widespread and tacitly accepted. Many commanders have young lovers, since much of their time is spent at war. They also have families and wives and children. These are the men who oppose Hamid Karzai. And, it is an interesting bit to read and learn about the various warring factions. Most of the people of Afghanistan are happy to have the American liberators bring some peace from the ever present warring families.
Seierstad used much of the money from the sale of this book to assist the Afghans. Many boys and girls are now going to school to become educated. She is supporting midwives and nurses who are needed because of the high birth mortality rate. Living with Sultan's family changed her perspective of concern. This is more than an interesting read. I learned so much about this country. They are looking for change, but it will be a long time coming. American occupation has helped in many ways, and that is a story we rarely hear about. Recommended.prisrob
Summary of The Bookseller of Kabul
This mesmerizing portrait of a proud man who, through three decades and successive repressive regimes, heroically braved persecution to bring books to the people of Kabul has elicited extraordinary praise throughout the world and become a phenomenal international bestseller. The Bookseller of Kabul is startling in its intimacy and its details - a revelation of the plight of Afghan women and a window into the surprising realities of daily life in today's Afghanistan.Asia Books
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