Between Two Worlds: Escape from Tyranny: Growing Up in the Shadow of Saddam

Expected to read a horror story about life under the penetrating gaze of Saddam Hussein, which I received. Did not expect that the end of the story would be about the plans to bring hope to women who have survived the rape camps of modern warfare. Reading about putting together an intelligent response to mass sexual atrocity was like finding a beautiful rose growing on a junk heap.

I am left admiring the author's courage even more, now that I know what she has done with her life after surviving life with "Amo."

An excellent book and easy reading. A good insight to understand more of Iraq and Saddam Hussein. The author's father was the pilot for Hussein, so there are many family life stories told about his visits to their home. More can be learned from this memoir than all of the newscasts. .

The brave recounting of a woman's journey from life at Saddam Hussein's compound (her father was his personal pilot), through a marriage arranged by her parents to get her out of Iraq, to her eventual founding of Women For Women International, a global organization devoted to helping women survivors of war. Unbelievable and beautiful story of one woman's strength.

I devoured this book. Zainab's story is so compelling, and the mission that she's taken from her experiences give me faith in humanity.

Memoir of a woman whose family was close to Saddam Hussein and in terror of crossing him. She ultimately moved to the US and founded an organization for the support of women who are victims of abuse. Some characters in her story reminded me of those in "The House of Sand and Fog."

This was a very intense and interesting book to read. I have heared stories of refugees, read books about living in the Soviet Union and under (occupation by) Hitler and this book brought out the same feelings.
Incredible how one man can install such fear into the people who live in a coubtry he rules.
Incredible how he slowly, but steadily tightens his grip onto every aspect of life.

The relationship Zainab describes with her mother is interesting. I think it's a thing all mothers and daughters have in common, love, struggle to break free, finding you're probably taking more after her than you ever wanted, coming to terms with that and finding your peace.

And no: one can't expect others to open up without telling your own story as well.