Qaderi gives an unflinching account of her family members and friends as they live in constant fear of being tortured, killed, or disappeared ... It is ultimately a gut-wrenching journey of courage and sacrifice. Dancing in the Mosque is a very private memoir addressed to her son, published as an open letter to him because it may be the only way he will eventually know the truth of how their lives have been brutally torn apart.
... a long, beautiful letter to the son she left in Afghanistan 958 days ago ... Reading the book’s final sentence is an excellent place to begin. Privileged American women will grieve with her and still celebrate her bravery. Qaderi acknowledges her translators, Dr. Zaman Stanizai and Vanisa Saffari, and their extraordinary skill at crisscrossing two languages as well as two cultures. To this reader, her voice feels seamless and authentic.
With this haunting memoir, Dancing in the Mosque: An Afghan Mother's Letter to Her Son, Qaderi literally, indelibly writes the proof of her existence into being ... Raw, honest, humble, Qaderi renders her excruciating loss into words and stories that help her live, keep her connected and never lose hope for a miraculous reunion.
A shocking, heartbreaking tale of the wars and gender inequality in Afghanistan. This personal story, centered on Qaderi's unquenchable spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, will appeal to a vast audience.
