Tell Someone You Love Their Work

Day 58

Sent a message to Zarghuna Kargar, the author of Dear Zari to say how amazing her book was.

I recently read Dear Zari and was very moved by it. It is a book about the experiences of women in Afghanistan. Although I knew a little about the experiences of women there, it didn't prepare me to hear these harrowing stories. I think I was most saddened by the stories about very young girls being forced to marry older men and especially the story of the young girl who had been sold to settle a feud and how she was mistreated. It is difficult for me to understand situations such as these but in reality I know things are more complicated and it must be hard for all parties involved in a country with such strong culture and tradition. Another story that struck me was about a woman who was physically injured in a rocket attack and was not allowed to return to her happy life with her husband and child. These women are incredibly courageous to endure such horrendous ordeals. Reading this book gives perspective and made me realise that I am privileged to have been able to go to school, go to university, get a job I love and marry the person I chose.