Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom

Zoya's Story gives us a memoir of life in Afghanistan from the Russian invasion through the early 2000's. It also gives us a glimpse of how normal life was before the Russian invasion. It is so hard to believe that men who consider themselves so religious can do so many horrible things to the men and especially the women in their country. Zoya tells us the story of her life from childhood until her early 20's. She was able to overcome her tragic life to do everything she could to help the women of Afghanistan.

Those that live through the destruction of their homeland will have their lives forever changed. The rest of us only have to glimpse into the window of a world in which we are only too grateful to be far removed from.From her youngest days as a child, to a full fledged member of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), Zoya tells her story simply but it holds much impact. Her courage and determination are remarkable as she tells of a childhood occupied by the Russians, driven out by the Mujahideen, and overthrown by the Taliban. As every new oppressor, each more savage then the previous tore her country apart, she continued her work to reveal the truth to the world, to fight for a women's right to education, and to bring relief to refugees who have lost everything.Her story and message is one of continued hope for her country that has been betrayed so many times, and she seems unshaken in her loyalty to her country and her mission. She continues her covert work to this day, and like her RAWA sisters, continues to keep her true identity hidden.

What can I say about this book. It made me cry, but it also gave me hope. I admire Zoya's courage and strength. It took me on a journey of Afghanistan and its people. I saw her grandmother praying on the pad, I was there when she almost fell down, because she couldn't see through the burqa. I can't tell you how much this book can change you as a person. You have to read it for yourself and experience the heart of a child and the courage of a woman. That is Zoya. I would like to know what she is doing now.

Words are not enough to portray the emotion packed into the telling of Zoya's Story. Brought up with parents who believed in education, democracy, human rights, feminism, and above all a mother deeply involved in "The Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan", also known as RAWA, Zoya's story begins as a young child in the city of Kabul. We follow her earlier days through the Russian occupation, then the Mujahideen of the Northern Alliance, made up of warlords that raped and murdered their own people, and finally through the insanity of the Taliban, a perverse adherence to nothing that even slightly resembles the teachings of Mohammed and the pronouncements made in the Koran, where women became something to be hidden, not to laugh or voice a word.Zoya was educated and cared for by RAWA and by the age of 16 became an active member in this organization that reaches out to thousands of Afghan women, supporting them financially, educationally, and psychologically. Though only 23 years of age at the telling of this story, Zoya has lived far more than a lifetime. Her patriotism runs so deep it will wrench your heart. She believes that the future of her beloved Afghanistan lies in the intellects and hearts of the children, at any cost they must be educated so they can meet the needs of a democratic society in the future. Small groups of children are hidden away in safe houses where they are educated, in a country where it is in threat of death for a woman to learn and the only lessons to be given are study of the Koran. I was appalled by the atrocities, unspeakable tortures, and hatred put forth in the name of religion and suffered by the Afghan people under the reign of the fundamentalists. Yet I was strengthened by the knowledge that there are educated people working diligently to return this country to a well-deserved peace after years of unjustifiable war at the hands of those men in power. May Allah grant their prayers and smile down upon them.This was truly one of the best books I ever read. Accurate, and filled with a candor that leaves you with a need to do something to make this world just a little bit better. Most of all it made me realize, I should be thankful every day of my life for the freedom I have as an American. Kelsana 6/10/02

As a high school history teacher, I am always looking for materials that will engage and is appropriate for a young adult audience. Zoya's Story does a masterful job of telling a remarkable story about an extraordinary young woman that will catch the attention of younger readers (which is a challenge with political and historical material). The vocabulary is understandable for younger readers but is not simplistic. The understated writing style is powerful and accessible for diverse readers. And although the examples of horrible cruelty and absurdity are many, the author doesn't dwell on them so the story doesn't seem tiresome or preachy. Zoya's desire not to marry or give birth is in a certain sense unsettling as she seems in so many ways a caring and compassionate person. However, her commitment to her people and to RAWA apparently doesn't leave time for personal pleasures and serious heterosexual relationships. I hope there is a sequel to Zoya's Story---it would be interesting in a few years to see where Zoya is, whether her spirit is unwavering and what she makes of the Northern Alliance, the United States, RAWA, etc.

Zoya is a non-violent revolutionary. Zoya is strong and has a good heart. She is an excellent role model. She works endless hours selflessly. I feel that she is an incredible person, and that all people should read her story. It is easy to feel compassion towards her and her friends. She is an all around good person, and puts the needs of others before her own.Zoya has helped so many, and done things I would not have the guts to do. Would I recommend Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom? YES! This book was incredible. It gave me a total different view of Afghans, their lives, and their response to September 11th. Zoya opens up you to her world and the world of others. I highly suggest you read this book. It was so interesting! You truly felt empathy for her. I would not suggest this book for people that have a hard time stomaching a few gory details, but this is what she sees daily. This is probably one of my favorite non-fiction books. It opened my eyes to something I had shown ignorance to before.