If you are a woman, this is one book that will make you glad that you aren't born in Afghanistan. At least that is how I felt after reading this. Although Elsa grew up less than privileged, she could hardly have been prepared for the poverty she would face in Afghanistan. Not only are the people poor, the women are treated as less than human. Roberta Gately's portrayal of the strength of the women who have to endure that life is very moving. This is a good first novel. Whew, I finally gave myself permission to abandon something that I disliked from the beginning. This book was a major disappointment for me! This novel sounded engaging and exciting when really, it rehashed a stereotypical and dull 'chick flick' plot line but in Afghanistan (and managed to feature American characters and downplay the Afghan ones). I found this book far too unrealistic for me to enjoy. After having read MANY non-fiction books about Afghanistan and traveling to a third world country myself, I didn't appreciate the author's downplaying of the poverty, the hopelessness, the difficulty in day to day survival and somehow making events and scenes that should be very compelling and emotional somehow seem cheesy. The lipstick angle was VERY sickening and materialistic to me; I see what the author was trying to do with it (show unity between women and such) but I think she failed at doing so miserably. The main character Eliza is naive, very immature and whinny. I know there are some women out there who are going to adore this novel, but I am not one of them. I regret purchasing this book and will be donating it immediately.
What do You think about Le Ragazze Di Kabul (2010)?
Mildly interesting, but somewhat predictable. I found the lipstick connection silly.
—ahuuto
I really enjoyed this book - and the look into like in Afghanistan.
—Valli31
