Kabul Beauty School

An American Woman Goes behind the Veil

By: Deborah Rodriguez, Kristin Ohlson

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Most Westerners working in Afghanistan spend their time tucked inside a military compound or embassy. Not Deborah Rodriguez. Here, she tells the story of the beauty school she founded in the middle of Kabul and of the vibrant women who were her students.

When Rodriguez opened the Kabul Beauty School, she not only empowered her students with a new sense of autonomy but also made some of the closest friends of her life. Woven through the book are the stories of her students: the newlywed who must fake her virginity; the 12-year-old sold into marriage to pay her family's debts; and a woman who pursues her training despite her Taliban husband's constant beatings. They all bring their stories to the beauty school, where, along with Rodriguez herself, they learn the art of perms, friendship, and freedom.

©2007 Deborah Rodriguez-Turner (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"A terrific opening chapter - colorful, suspenseful, funny - ushers readers into the curious closed world of Afghan women." (Publishers Weekly)
"A lively narrative of the author's experiences reacquainting Afghan women with skills the mullahs had denied them....Terrifically readable, and rich in personal stories." (Kirkus Reviews)

Entertaining and informative

If you enjoy listening in your car, this is a good choice. This true story is easy to follow and very interesting. I loved learning about Debbie's crazy life experiences!

Welcome to Kabul

Wow, this was an inspiring story! Not riveting, but an enjoyable and uplifting read. Bernadette, the narrator has a nice voice.

Fascinating window into a woman's wild in Afghanistan

Truly enjoyed listening to this recording. It gave me a small window into a woman's life in Afghanistan and Debbie's incredible story and journey. It was also a thoughtful reflection of NGO work throughout the world and the intended (and unintended) consequences of that work

Unexpected Gem

This story is an example of an old saying, "To do an ordinary thing extraordinarily well brings success." Who would think a the art of hairdressing would bridge the gap between cultures?

The story is compelling and well written, an average good hearted woman applies her talents and does good in a part of the world constantly berated by the mass produced news media.

It is a pleasure to experience her journey through this book. It is well narrated and enjoyable.

Compelling women you care about

What did you love best about Kabul Beauty School?

I thought this book was cleverly organized into stories about different women that the author met in conjunction with the beauty school. And the author herself is quite a character. I found myself compulsively listening to the book.

What other book might you compare Kabul Beauty School to and why?

In a way, it almost reminded me of "The Help," but this is non-fiction. It's all about women struggling through very difficult times and it tells many different stories.

What does Bernadette Dunne bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She has a nice rich voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I wish more people would read this book as the US plans to leave Afghanistan and continues to negotiate with the Taliban.

Fantastic account of an adventurous woman

I thoroughly enjoyed this listen. The narrator was splendid and the author seemed to be a truly remarkable woman. Crazy Debbie may have quite a few flaws, but she is a brave, determined woman who is inspirational in taking on challenges few others would and not quitting, even in the face of extreme adversity. Yet, with her strength comes a vulnerability and insecurity, most obviously demonstrated through her marriages. While listening, I thought perhaps she fought so hard for the Afghani women because she related to them on more than one level. I really liked Debbie and wish I could meet her someday. She is truly an inspiration. Other books about strong women overcoming adversity you might enjoy: The House at Sugar Beach and The Help (Fiction).

Worth the Read

Whenever I fume because my husband sits at the computer while I cook after a long day of work, I think of these women, and it puts my life in perspective. The characters are well rounded and Deborah Rodriguez does a wonderful job of drawing you into the story and making you feel that you're experiencing it right along with her. You will immediately want to put on your burka to go to the Middle East to help these women.

beautiful

"Kabul Beauty School" was truly a beautiful book. After reading this, I just wanted to get out there and do something with purpose.

Truly enjoyable

One of the best books I've read in years. Truly enjoyable. No long lulls. Has a lot of heart and authenticity. Helps me understand Afghan culture in a way that otherwise would have been largely inaccessible . Loved it. Ordering to share.

Interesting Story

This book was fun and interesting without being too much of a tear jerker. If she is accurate in her story, it really opens your eyes to how women are treated in Afganistan and how few options these women have.