Torn Between Two Cultures: An Afghan-American Woman Speaks Out (Capital Currents)

Fascinating, insightful. IF you find this book of interest, you might also enjoy recent books on Afghanistan by Tamim Ansary.

Torn Between Two Cultures Book ReviewTorn between two cultures by Maryam Qudrat tell the story of her cultural background in Afghanistan including the aspirations, dynamic life, ideologies, and professional development of her and her family. Qudrat also described not only a history of violence, assassination, coup, international and civil wars in Afghanistan, but also a growing uncertainty among Afghans and American-Afghan living in the United States since September 11, 2000. As Qudrat pointed out "I am an Afghan-America woman, born in Los Angeles in 1974 to Afghan who immigrated before all hell broke loose in their homeland". The whole idea to immigrate to America, as every other ethnic group could experience, is to look forward for a better future in one of the most powerful country in the word. However, after Quadrats' parents immigrated to pursued a professional career and a better future, the civil war in Afghanistan stroke. Qudrat describes the insecurity and the civil war accounts in detail when she was visiting her extended family member in Afghanistan at her only 4 years old. Coincidently, Qudrat's parent, along with her, went to Afghanistan, days before the civil was stroke. "In 1978, Afghan communist backed by the Soviet Union assassinated Daoud. Noor Taraki become president. Five months later, Taraki is assassinated and Hafizllah Amin assumes power". Qudrat recalled those days by saying, "The nights were even scarier, as the sounds of attacks and the showering of bombs shook the entire house". Those days, intended for a trip of leisure, turned out to be days of frustrations. Another important aspect to be recognized in her story is Qudrat's cultural traditions. As an Afghan-America woman, she was raised with less restricted Muslim customs. Qudrat could decide how to manage her life, whom to marry to, etc. However her father expected Qudrat to wear loose clothing that disguises her female body shape. "He expected me to in a very conservative fashion, wearing dark, formal colors, and clothing that was very boyish with no-style what so ever". Her first successfully experience reading the Quran at her short age was the reflection of an intensive effort of Qudrat's grandmother. Another interesting fact about Qudrat experience is the conversation taken place with in her university with Hashimi, an invited Afghan speaker guest. Hashimi explained Qudrat about Taliban ideologiesTo summarize Qudrat rich history was introduced at childhood modeled her integrity. Afghan Islamic traditions, Quran's studies, wedding traditional practices, and ceremonies, have enriched Qudrat intellectually and morally. On the other hand, the constant stereotyping of the Islamic cultural tradition has given her a difficult life, not only in Afghanistan, but also in America. Not only Qudrat's parent has suffered the impact of violence in their country of origin, but also the violence and fear has trespassed frontiers arriving to America. Islamic culture is mostly considered as a whole as an extreme Islamic group dominated terror because of their extreme terrorist acts. I personally did not know about some of the Taliban ideologies before September 11. I obviously has met many friends of Islamic origins, and enjoyed greatly their magical culture. Islamic women dresses seems like taken from a magical fairy tale history of princesses, and princes in magical kingdom.

This book, “Torn Between Two Cultures,” helped me to open my eyes to see the real Islam culture and made me realize that I was wrong about them. In this book, Maryam Qudrat Aseel tells her stories and experiences as an Afghan-American born in America in LA. The author’s parents were smart and educated college students in Afghanistan. Her mom was given a chance to study abroad in America and so decided to move to America. She invited her families from Afghanistan and got married with her lover, the author’s dad, and the author was born in the happy and peaceful family. The author describes the trip to Afghanistan with her mom as the ‘dark summer’ because of bomb attack in Kabul. As she grew up in America with Afghan identity, she realized how she was different from others and also learned the truth of Islam. She also tells us her life was affected after September 11 and tries to let people know the real face of Afghanistan and Islam which was covered with a wrong mask due to Taliban.My prejudice on Islam people, especially women was like this: they have to obey and listen to men in their family, they do not have rights to speak out, and they are forced to give up their dreams for their family. However, this book tells that this is not true. The author explains how Islam women are treated with respect, and they do get higher education to achieve their goals. I would not be able to see the truth of Islam and the country, Afghanistan without this book. I very appreciate that my professor introduced me this great book.

Author's did an excellent job describing her family's cultures and custom, and the huge differences between Afghan Muslim and Talibans (Terrorism). This book is strongly recommended~

I laughed, I criedI felt cold at times.. warmth overwhelmed me at other times.The writer shared many experiences that relate to various concepts and ideals that I wouldn't have given much thought. It's a great insight on what's beyond what an average person encounters through life's journey.Coming from an Eastern background the book relates to me personally in so many ways I cannot describe but am able to feel. It made me reflect about many personal matters and decisions I made in life.

This book helped me to understand the challenges faced by people who grow up by two cultures. The book is very informative and changed my view on so many issues. This book has the potential to be used as an educational reference at college or university level.

I enjoyed reading this book. I'm always interested in reading books by authors who are from other countries. I was really glad that the author didn't have a lot of negative things to say about the country. I have a Afghan friend, who just moved here to the states, that gives a little different story on the treatment of women there than the author does but I really enjoyed the book and think that it will give all readers a look of what's it like to leave your country to move to a new country that's totally different than what you are use too.

At this stage in our collective history, anything that promotes greater understanding of what it is to be Muslim, what it is to be Afghan, what it is to be both of these things--and American--can do wonders to begin to bridge the huge cultural divide and close the gap that prevents progress toward peace. Maryam Qudrat Aseel gives us her personal experience and strong opinions--and by extension--greater perspective on issues we find ourselves caring about now--and will need to care about well into the future. Thoughtful and provocative -- a great first book. I look forward to more from her!