The Breadwinner

‘The Breadwinner‘ is a powerful book based on true events during the time of Taliban control of Afghanistan. It focuses upon the lives of helpless, cruelly treated people.

The main character, Parvana, is a girl in a poor Afghani family. When Parvana’s father is arrested ,Parvana is forced to disguise herself as a boy to take on her father’s job and earn money. In the busy marketplace of Kabul, Parvana discovers her friend Shauzia, also disguised as a boy. Together they experience the horrors and wonders of the marketplace. As we join Parvana on her journey the reader is determined for her survival and her future.

I found this book touching; it moved my heart. It is about longing for something more than a dismal life where girls are forced to stay at home and obey orders.

While ‘The Breadwinner‘ expands upon the nightmarish conditions that ordinary families are forced to try to survive in during the Taliban rule, it demonstrates loyalty and courage, in Parvana’s and Shauzia’s stories. This is  one of the most heart breaking yet meaningful stories I have ever read. It’s also one of my favourite books. – (Amaara, aged 12)