Hardship and Hope: Missouri Women Writing about Their Lives, 1820-1920 Book

Review from 2009

This is a useful and interesting book that made me consider the kinds of "governments" that western powers sometimes prop up. Having said that, if you are unfamiliar (as I am) with the history of Afghanistan and the ever-changing situation there since 911, this is a challenging text to read. I couldn't keep track of the multiple warlords who play(ed) key roles in the corrupt government, and I certainly needed more background information about the figures in the Afghan parliament than the author provides here.

The author writes powerfully about the Afghan government's heinous crimes against women, children, and the poor of the country. Her book makes one question what the role of other nations should be with respect to this country. How can the West really support this war-torn place? How can the most downtrodden be protected?

A skilled co-writer and better editing might have helped this become a clearer, more illuminating work. Having heard a number of interviews with Joya, a charismatic and galvanizing woman, I was surprised at some of the details and word choices here. The book gives the impression that Joya stands alone against the corrupt, that she is the only one who knows the truth about Islamic fundamentalists. Few other democratic Afghan voices are heard. Given her political success and the support she has received from the Afghan people, Joya has surely met with other thoughtful and dedicated "freedom fighters." It would have been appropriate to hear about them here. On another note: the frequent use of the word "martyrs" is frankly concerning and requires clarification for a western audience.