I’ve finally finished this book. Sorry, it’s taken so long but this month has been crazy. However, I was adamant I’d finish it before the New Year. So here goes……. I actually really enjoyed the book. This was the first time that I had read an autobiography as I’ve mentioned before, so I was slightly sceptical about the fact that this genre of books was not going to be my usual form of escapism, filled with romance and happy endings. Yes, I do need to get out more. However, whilst it was most certainly a very different read for me, it has developed my knowledge and allowed me to reflect upon the views and lessons from this book. So I’ll try my hardest not to spoil it too much for you.
I’ve never been interested in Politics so you would actually be wasting your time if you ever attempted to ask me which Party I vote for, because Tory, Labour and Conservative defer no meaning to me. Yet this book keeps the reader well informed about Muslim political leaders and holds particular references to “Benazir Bhutto”, the first female politician in Pakistan. Malala writes strongly about her admiration for her and the other strong female figures in her life such as her “illiterate” housewife mother, who is devoted to her children and her teacher who still comes to teach at Malala’s school, despite the dangerous consequences it holds. Malala’s emphasis is not on physical strength, but the inner strength of that, in a woman. As women, we go through so many changes, encountering obstacles here and there, yet we forget this inner strength we have, how far as women we have come. Our strength is deep within us, yet we fail to sometimes see it. It is clear that Malala views the politics as an “us” against “them”. “Them” being the Taliban and the Pakistani army who she sees as one, as both sides seem to be using the civilians as pawns in this chess game for power.
The first half of the book is concentrated on Malala’s father, Ziauddin. It is evident that it is his brave, encouraging nature that is instilled in Malala from a young age. Her awe and respect for him is clear, as she describes his financial troubles in completing his English bachelors and masters’ degrees. “My father longed for freedom….He wanted to encourage independent thought, “highlights Ziauddin’s strong passion for education. I found his devotional attitudes towards education fascinating and the way he encouraged his daughter to learn and speak out, despite living in a village where women were expected to wear “burkhas” and practice “purdah”, a religious and cultural custom where women are kept in seclusion and punished otherwise.
I especially enjoyed learning about the Pakistani culture and history, through this book. The fact that Buddhism was prominent before Islam in some of the villages, such as Swat Valley where Malala lives, is something new I learnt. I came to learn more about the historical and brutal separation between India and Pakistan which highlighted my lack of knowledge concerning this topic. “It could hardly have been a bloodier beginning” as Malala describes the millions that were slaughtered as they tried to cross the Indian borders to Pakistan.
Cultural customs such as the “Pashtunwali hospitality” where feeding everyone who came to visit regardless of wealth and their concept of being simple is reiterated throughout the book, ” we prefer to sit on floors rather than chairs.” This reminded me of stories my own parents tell from Sri Lanka, and really reflected on the concept of a sense of gratefulness over luxury. Living in well- developed countries such as the UK, we often forget to appreciate and instead quantify our happiness by the number of designer bags we have or how many flashy cars we drive. I loved the life lessons that came from the book. Malala recalls the time where she was caught stealing and the huge disappointment she felt from her father. It reminded me of family relationships, our values and beliefs that our own parents have passed on to us. More importantly, it allowed me to truly appreciate how lucky I am to be a woman in this day and age. No offence to men, but as women, we have come incredibly far. Our voices are heard, not silenced. We have the capability to achieve whatever we set our hearts to.
So I’d definitely recommend this book. Even if you don’t quite understand the politics, allow yourself to be immersed in the life of the people of Swat, through Malala’s eyes. It really makes you appreciate the small things that we take for granted. A perfect book for me to end this beautiful year 🙂
Happy new year too guys 🙂
Niru
nirujab 