One More Mountain

The Breadwinner is a novel by Deborah Ellis that follows the story of Parvana and Shauzia, two girls who must flee to escape the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan. Parvana has married Asif and runs a school for girls, while Shauzia is trying to get her sister and son out of Kabul. The book is about the struggles of women and girls in Afghanistan and the importance of education and freedom.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In the year 2021, Afghanistan has fallen under the control of the Taliban once again. Parvana and Shauzia, the courageous protagonists of "The Breadwinner," find themselves compelled to flee their homeland to evade the renewed threats posed by an old adversary. It has been a staggering 20 years since Parvana and Shauzia were forced to assume the identities of boys in order to provide for themselves and their families. However, the hope of rebuilding their nation seemed to flourish when the Taliban were defeated in 2001.

Since then, Parvana's life has undergone a remarkable transformation. She has married Asif, a man she met in the desert during her desperate search for her family as a child. Together, they have established a school for girls, a haven where young women can receive an education and empower themselves. Parvana also has a son named Rafi, who is about to embark on a new journey to New York, where he will undergo rigorous training to become a talented dancer.

As the Taliban's presence intensifies in Kabul, Asif desperately attempts to secure the evacuation of Parvana's sister, Maryam, and Rafi on one of the last flights out of the city. However, their plans are disrupted when the Taliban unexpectedly arrive at the school, forcing Parvana to lead the girls on a perilous escape into the mountains.

Deborah Ellis, the acclaimed author of "The Breadwinner," possesses an impressive array of accolades, including numerous awards and recognition. She is also a prominent feminist and a passionate advocate for peace. Ellis has extensively traveled to Pakistan and spent considerable time in Afghan refugee camps, gaining firsthand insights into the lives of those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Through the powerful narrative of "The Breadwinner," Ellis sheds light on the resilience and determination of the Afghan people, particularly women and girls, who face immense challenges in a society dominated by patriarchal norms and religious extremism. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of education, empowerment, and the pursuit of freedom, even in the face of adversity.

As Parvana and her students navigate the treacherous terrain of the mountains, they encounter various obstacles and dangers. They must rely on their wits, courage, and unwavering spirit to survive and protect one another. Their journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the unwavering belief in the power of hope and determination.

In the end, Parvana and her students find refuge in a remote village, where they begin to rebuild their lives and cultivate a sense of community. They continue to educate themselves and their fellow villagers, working towards a brighter future for themselves and future generations.

"The Breadwinner" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people caught in the midst of a devastating conflict. Through the eyes of Parvana and Shauzia, Ellis paints a vivid portrait of the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the pursuit of justice in a world that continues to grapple with the consequences of violence and oppression.

Weight: 178g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192786937
Edition number: 1