Freedom Fighter: My War Against ISIS on the Frontlines of Syria by Joanna Palani

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The gripping story of one woman's war against ISIS on the frontlines of Syria. Joanna Palani made headlines across the world when her role fighting ISIS in the Syrian conflict was revealed. She is one of a handful of western women who joined the international recruits to the Kurdish forces in the region and this is the first time her extraordinary story has been told. Inspired by the Arab Spring, Joanna left behind her student life in Copenhagen and travelled to the Middle East in order to show more join the YPJ - the all-female brigade of the Kurdish militia in Syria. After undergoing considerable military training, including as a saboteur and sniper, Joanna served as a YPJ fighter over several years and took part in the brutal siege of Kobani. Despite her heroism, she was taken in to custody on her return to Denmark for breaking laws designed to stop its citizens from joining ISIS, making her the first person to be jailed for joining the international coalition. In this raw and unflinching memoir, Joanna not only provides an eye-witness account of this devastating war but also reveals the personal cost of the battles she has fought on and off the frontlines. show less

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Stamat 47 reviews

One star less than five only because of the erratic writing. In my opinion the text needed some more editing.

Nevertheless Joanna's story is exceptionally interesting, powerful and gripping. Through her book she offers us an overview not only of the situation in the Syrian war, but (maybe even more importantly) the position of women in the conflict and the Kurdish life in general.

Apr 20, 2021

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