Malalaï Joya

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 show more 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. show less

The sub title to this thought provoking book published in July this year is ... 'the extraordinary story of the Afghan women who dares to speak out ... ' A most apt subtitle for a memoir of a young women born 30 years ago in the year that the Russians invaded Afghanistan. She speaks of her native land as 'a land of tragedy called Afghanistan'. Passionate and principled she chronicles her life so far - ranging from a growing up in refugee camps to becoming a member of the Afghan parliament show more this book records one woman's struggle to be heard. show less

Malalai Joya is the youngest and most famous female MP in Afghanistan, whose bravery and vision have won her an international following. She made world headlines with her very first speech, in which she courageously denounced the presence of warlords in the new Afghan government. She has spoken out for justice ever since, and for the rights of women in the country she loves. Raising My Voice shares her extraordinary story.

Born during the Russian invasion and spending her youth in refugee show more camps, Malalai Joya describes how she first became a political activist. When she returned to Afghanistan, the country was under the grip of the Taliban and she ran a secret school for girls. A popular MP with her constituents, she received global support when she was suspended from parliament in 2007 because of her forthright views.

Malalai Joya's work has brought her awards and death threats in equal measure. She lives in constant danger. In this gripping account, she reveals the truth about life in a country embroiled in war - especially for the women - and speaks candidly about the future of Afghanistan, a future that has implications for us all. show less

Een informatief boek dat een kijkje geeft in de wijze waarop Afghanistan geregeerd wordt. Ik ben het met de schrijfster eens dat de bemoeienis van vreemde mogendheden met de gang van zaken in Afghanistan de situatie alleen maar erger heeft gemaakt. De arrogantie van Westerse mogendheden die menen hun vorm van democratie op te moeten leggen aan de inwoners van dit land. Zodra men de hielen gelicht heeft laat ment men een land in duigen achter dat nog verder van huis zal zijn dan daarvoor, show more alle inspanningen ten spijt. show less