A heart warming tale of an extended Afghani family who learn to play cricket to win a chance to go to Pakistan. Rukhsana is a former journalist who now under Taliban rule, is forbidden from working. In her former life, she caught the eye and ire of powerful officials, and now one wants to marry her. Her betrothed, living in America has married someone else and Rukhsana's life is at risk. Masquerading as a male, she teaches her cousins how to play cricket in order for them to compete in the state competition. She has also made contact with a former male friend from when she went to university in Delhi and he travels to Afghanistan to help her escape. Soon, the plan includes the extended family who formed the team. Using their quick thinking, the twelve successfully leave Afghanistan, arriving in safety in Pakistan. The female protagonist narrator sympathetically conveys the frustration of being a female in the corrupt and violent Taliban ruled country. I loved The Taliban Cricket Club and so did my husband. I was impressed at how author Timeri n Murari managed to use humour (or should I say satire) with such dangerous, dark and sad content. The mismatch of cricket with its peaceful laws and the Taliban was amusing to start with and yet the story is a well written thriller as well. Five stars for the truth, lightly and beautifully told in a memorable way.
What do You think about The Taliban Cricket Club (2012)?
An interesting perspective on what life was like under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
—taigenboo
Really enjoyed this book. Made me stop and think about life for women in Afghanistan.
—koan
Not as gritty as Khaled Hosseini's books, but still interesting. I recommend this.
—Anamarta
un bon livre: à la fois terrible vu le contexte (Kaboul en 2000...) et tendre.
—maemae13
