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bookmeagoodread's review
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
librarydancer's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written, fascinating tale putting the reader into all the complexities that appear to be part of modern Afghanistan. Highly recommended.
mehvie's review against another edition
4.0
The Nadia Hashimi magic is back! After reading her other two books- When the Moon is Low and The Pearl That Broke Its Shell , I was intrigued to read her other books. Finally after reading various reviews of her other book I settled on this one.
Again, this book like all her other books took place in Afghanistan and talked about how women were/are being treated there. You might say its a repeated concept but no, each of her books shed light on different issues within that community.
A House Without Windows is about a women Zeba who has been accused of her husband's murder and has been taken to a woman's jail. And a young lawyer, Youssef coming from America wanting to help Zeba get back to her children. As the story progresses we learn about other jail mates who have been wrongly accused and how the judicial system in Afghanistan is flawed. Don't want to give too much away in the review ;). This book is like a mystery novel and we like the lawyer in the story are solving the case.
All the characters are intriguing and some are even shady... The author shows depth and growth of each character. Bold and strong are a few words describing them.
Idea of shame and honor were prevalent and how men were supposed to 'save' their families from shame and protect the woman's honor.
When your own home gets claustrophobic and you can't live the way you want, you find a home somewhere else, where you can belong. Women who lived in the jail felt the Chil Mahtab (women's prison) was their home and safe place. They knew that even if the were freed they would be judged and ridiculed by society and traditions. A sisterhood was built, protecting each other from the society.
This book also showed how men were deciding the fate of women ... isn't it the same still? Also, shows the harsh reality of women, and how one action defines them. Additionally, it also shows how the judicial system is corrupt and that laws can be overridden easily.
All in all, its an eye opening book!
Again, this book like all her other books took place in Afghanistan and talked about how women were/are being treated there. You might say its a repeated concept but no, each of her books shed light on different issues within that community.
A House Without Windows is about a women Zeba who has been accused of her husband's murder and has been taken to a woman's jail. And a young lawyer, Youssef coming from America wanting to help Zeba get back to her children. As the story progresses we learn about other jail mates who have been wrongly accused and how the judicial system in Afghanistan is flawed. Don't want to give too much away in the review ;). This book is like a mystery novel and we like the lawyer in the story are solving the case.
All the characters are intriguing and some are even shady... The author shows depth and growth of each character. Bold and strong are a few words describing them.
Idea of shame and honor were prevalent and how men were supposed to 'save' their families from shame and protect the woman's honor.
When your own home gets claustrophobic and you can't live the way you want, you find a home somewhere else, where you can belong. Women who lived in the jail felt the Chil Mahtab (women's prison) was their home and safe place. They knew that even if the were freed they would be judged and ridiculed by society and traditions. A sisterhood was built, protecting each other from the society.
This book also showed how men were deciding the fate of women ... isn't it the same still? Also, shows the harsh reality of women, and how one action defines them. Additionally, it also shows how the judicial system is corrupt and that laws can be overridden easily.
All in all, its an eye opening book!
readingwithathena's review against another edition
3.0
This was the first book by Nadia Hashimi that I've read. If I could give it 3.5/5 stars, I would. However, as it stands, I feel 3 stars is fitting. I liked the book, but there were times when the style didn't work for me. Some characters were given TOO much description (Gulnaz seemed to have an entire chapter dedicated to her green eyes), while others weren't given enough. Overall, it was a good read, but not my favorite.
surabhidiwan's review against another edition
3.0
This book beautifully captures the condition of women in Afghanistan, including the times when they are only 'accussed' for the most minute of crimes. It also highlights the condition of women in Afghanistan's prisons and how they accept it to be their fate, because they are considered as 'low-beings' for various biological, physical, etc. reasons. It, in no ambiguous way, tells us that a man, pointing a finger at a woman due to spite, can enough to disrepute her or you never know if she's executed too..
I felt the book was a little dragged in between. As in, a few parts were not necessary. The author has tried to build up a good story maybe, through the small instances shown in between but it honestly felt, "why did I need to read this chapter/para"..
I won't say the book is a 'must-read' but I am sure if one picks it up to read, there's going to be no regrets !
I felt the book was a little dragged in between. As in, a few parts were not necessary. The author has tried to build up a good story maybe, through the small instances shown in between but it honestly felt, "why did I need to read this chapter/para"..
I won't say the book is a 'must-read' but I am sure if one picks it up to read, there's going to be no regrets !
aabbas19's review against another edition
5.0
This book tore me up and put me back together again many times. Sheds great light into Afghanistan, women, and justice. I think this might be one of my favorite books now. Beautifully written.
elaan's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
gehrkecheryl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
_d_a_n_i_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
LOVED ITTTTT!!! My heart is aching