Rod Nordland's The Lovers is a modern-day tale of Romeo and Juliet: Zakia and Ali are two people from different tribes in Afghanistan. Their love was forbidden by custom and law, but fall in love they did. They are currently hiding from Zakia's family, who have vowed to kill her to protect the families honor. The author broke the story in 2013, and now with The Lovers he expands their story, shedding light on the state of women's rights in Afghanistan. And boy are people raving about it! Here is only a sampling of the love this book has gotten so far:
“Nordland offers a stark, eye-opening look at the deplorable state of women’s rights in Afghanistan through the travails of a brave, determined young couple.” —Booklist, starred review
“[Nordland’s] skills as a journalist are evident in his rendering of this love blossoming against all odds.” —New York Times Book Review
“Rod Nordland develops a captivating and beautifully-written true story of an elopement into an analysis of Afghan misogyny and domestic violence which reveals more about conservative Afghan life and the struggle to change it than most other non-fiction books about the country.” —Jonathan Steele, The Guardian
The Lovers went on sale earlier this week, so I hope you check out this powerful and deeply felt story of love and hope.
-Amanda