Sunday, December 30, 2007

The Bookseller of Kabul - Asne Seierstad

A well written , though a truly disturbing book. You'd think the lead protagonist who want's Afghanistan to be great again and who 'heroically braved persecution' to bring books to his people, is such a despicable character that it is difficult to like this book. The book however is not only about Sultan , it's also about his wife (ves) , sisters , sons. Its also about the plight of the women, and it is that more than anything else which is will make you wonder , what is it about men that they torture women so - makes one ashamed sometimes. Sam harris in a debate once said That the people for whom Islam causes the most problems is muslim women, (and its not like other religions, countries treat women better) , but it is probably true that women are treated worst in Islamic fundamentalist regimes. I wonder why they dont rebel. And its worse that even with the taliban kicked out of afghanistan, the women are still treated as objects and possessions. Maybe one day they wont be, i just hope it happens in my lifetime.

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