Dancing in the Mosque
Stanizai, ZamanGrowing up, Homeira Qaderi was a stroppy teenager daring to homeschool girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Her rebellious nature never abated and following marriage at seventeen, life as a refugee in Teheran, opportunities for higher education and then a return to post-Taliban Kabul, she remained staunch, particularly when her husband decided to take a second wife.
Promptly divorced for her defiance in opposing his intention, her toddler son was taken from her (as permitted by Afghan law).
In this powerful and riveting memoir, the author, a writer and activist for women's rights, shares the story of her life and directly addresses her son who was told she was dead.
Pages
212
212
Year
2020
2020
Reviews
07-03-2024
Everyone loved this book, it provoked the most animated discussion we've had at any meeting. Beautifully written.
07-03-2024
A quick and easy read. 'Dancing in the Mosque' was compelling and confronting in its story. The way it was written was a moving narrative of courage, loss and grief -and decisive action in the face of fear, vulnerability and uncertainty. It made us all realise the privilege of living in freedom with rights, and voice, and status.
15-11-2023
Everyone loved this book and we realised how lucky we were not to live in Afghanistan.
15-11-2023
Great insight into her life. Really good book.
20-09-2023
At times a difficult book to read, but we all enjoyed it and it gave us a lot to discuss. We were all interested to find out more about where the author is today.
20-09-2023
We were a little underwhelmed by this book. It dwelt too long on some aspects and too little on others (eg. for example her later life and education). Although we could only admire Homeira Qaderi, we felt other similar books we had read were more powerful and thought provoking.
20-09-2023
A real story of courage and sacrifice as well as despair. When you think how young she was and what she was prepared to do. Big discussion on divorce and how the law in different countries operates. We agreed it was moving and gripping with the underlying courageous desire to improve Afghan women's lives - whatever the cost. Highly recommend.
20-09-2023
An interesting read. Some found it quite stressful reading about life in Afghanistan. Felt we would have liked more family background, which wasn't possible for security reasons for her and her ex husband's family.
20-09-2023
Insightful, good book. Some didn't like the writing style.
20-04-2023
Everybody enjoyed this book and it led to great discussion about the rights and roles of women. Easy to read and understand.