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37 pages 1 hour read

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

295

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1090L

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Super Short Summary

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon tells the true story of Kamila Sidiqi, a young Afghan woman who, under the oppressive Taliban regime, risks her safety to become a successful fashion entrepreneur and support her family by teaching other women tailoring skills. Readers may encounter descriptions of the harsh treatment of women under the Taliban.

Inspirational

Hopeful

Emotional

Challenging

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.0

20,301 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon beautifully captures resilience amid adversity, highlighting the courage of Afghan women during Taliban rule. Praised for its inspiring narrative and detailed portrayal, it is sometimes critiqued for oversimplifying complex issues. Overall, it is a compelling read that emphasizes hope and strength in the face of oppression.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Dressmaker of Khair Khana?

A reader who would enjoy The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon appreciates inspiring true stories of resilience and entrepreneurship, particularly those set against challenging socio-political backdrops. Fans of A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn will find similar themes of female empowerment and perseverance.

4.0

20,301 ratings

65%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

295

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

1090L

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