Plot Summary

The Underground Girls of Kabul

Jenny Nordberg
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The Underground Girls of Kabul

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014

Book Brief

Jenny Nordberg

The Underground Girls of Kabul

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Underground Girls of Kabul by Jenny Nordberg explores the lives of bacha posh, Afghan girls who are disguised and accepted as boys to provide their families with societal advantages, such as security or increased status. Told through personal stories, the book delves into the complexities and pressures these individuals face, as well as the practice's roots in cultural and religious traditions. Topics include marital coercion and gender identity.

Informative

Mysterious

Challenging

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

15,174 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Underground Girls of Kabul by Jenny Nordberg is praised for its insightful and investigative portrayal of Afghan girls living as boys to escape societal restrictions. Reviewers commend its engaging narrative and extensive research but note that it can be dense with historical context. Overall, it offers a compelling and enlightening look into gender roles in Afghanistan.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Underground Girls of Kabul?

A reader who would enjoy The Underground Girls of Kabul by Jenny Nordberg is likely interested in women's rights, socio-cultural studies, and Afghan history. Fans of Malala Yousafzai's I Am Malala or Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns will find this book compelling for its courageous exploration of gender identity under oppressive regimes.

4.2

15,174 ratings

80%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Kabul, Afghanistan • 2010s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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