The Dressmaker of Khair Khana

Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe

By: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

The life Kamila Sidiqi had known changed overnight when the Taliban seized control of the city of Kabul. After receiving a teaching degree during the civil war - a rare achievement for any Afghan woman - Kamila was subsequently banned from school and confined to her home. When her father and brother were forced to flee the city, Kamila became the sole breadwinner for her five siblings. Armed only with grit and determination, she picked up a needle and thread and created a thriving business of her own.

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana tells the incredible true story of this unlikely entrepreneur who mobilized her community under the Taliban. Former ABC Newsreporter Gayle Tzemach Lemmon spent years on the ground reporting Kamila's story, and the result is an unusually intimate and unsanitized look at the daily lives of women in Afghanistan. These women are not victims; they are the glue that holds families together; they are the backbone and the heart of their nation.

Afghanistan's future remains uncertain as debates over withdrawal timelines dominate the news. The Dressmaker of Khair Khana moves beyond the headlines to transport you to an Afghanistan you have never seen before. This is a story of war, but it is also a story of sisterhood and resilience in the face of despair. Kamila Sidiqi's journey will inspire you, but it will also change the way you think about one of the most important political and humanitarian issues of our time.

©2011 Gayle Tzemach Lemmon (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Heroic!

What did you love best about The Dressmaker of Khair Khana?

I loved how the story moved along, kinda kept me on the edge of my seat.

What did you like best about this story?

How it showed the strength and cunning of these women.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was a story I wanted to stretch out longer.

Quick read, well written.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If they were interested in all of the poverty/struggles of women in Afghanistan, I would. This book is based around a very specific topic.
But, it's well written and concise. The author doesn't waste our time with useless details.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was proud of Kamila and her sisters.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Kind of. The narration had some emotion, but not enough. And the voices didn't really change. That's tough, since there are SO many characters in this book. I figured out who was speaking by context, usually.

Do you think The Dressmaker of Khair Khana needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Nope. As I said before, it was concise and to the point. She covered everything she needed to to attach us to the characters, help us feel their struggles, and avoid kicking the dead horse- which is often the problem with stories of struggle.

Any additional comments?

No, thanks.

Riveting story

Although this was written and told in 2005 and I listened in 2021, and the information could seem outdated, it was especially important as a backdrop to the events of the summer of 2021 in Afghanistan and Kabul in particular. Without giving away any of the story, let me say that this makes me appreciate more than ever the personal stories. It humanizes the women there and their plight. Thanks for sharing-I’ll be searching for the followup!

Interesting & Enjoyable

This book gives great insight into how woman lived in Afghanistan during the Taliban years. They are loving, wonderful, & amazing. I think the reader did a great job and I enjoyed this book a lot.

Truly Enlightening!

I am very glad I listened to this true story. I learned quite a bit about the Afghan culture that I never really understood before. This is not a depressing story, however. It does not contain unbearable violence as other books with a similar subject have. It is uplifting, and a very rewarding listen.

The story is really quite heroic considering the limitations of citizens, especially women, under the Taliban rule. We can not really understand the enormity of everything Kamila accomplished because we cannot imagine living in such horrible times. She is clearly an amazing woman.

The book is well written, and the narrator is excellent. I highly recommend to anyone who is considering the purchase--

wonderful perseverance story

would appreciate hearing a 2021 update to how the families are adjusting once again to life under the Taliban

Really good, but I guess I was expecting ...

I guess I was expecting something on the order of "The Kite Runner." Didn't realize it was not a novel. Still, once I realized it was a true story it didn't quite come up to "Three Cups of Tea" in its ability to capture my attention. I enjoyed it, I was not bored, but somehow it was not powerful enough a narrative to push me over the "3 Star" mark

Much needed hope and energy for any woman

Sisterhood of faith, energy and education are priceless and build something that never ends when we help each other.

Entrepreneurial Enterprise under Taliban Rule

Kamila had just completed her teaching certification when the Taliban came to power in Kabul, and suddenly she was not allowed to work or even be on the street without a male escort. In this wonderful account, you will learn how this enterprising young woman was able to support her family by learning to sew and then becoming a dressmaker, going on to teach other young women in her neighborhood the skill so they could support their own families. The book is well written and exciting, and the narrator has a pleasant voice and does a fine job. You'll gain real insight into what living under Taliban rule is like for females, whose world crashes down around them and how they can transcend the restrictions through intelligence, perseverance, creativity, and necessity.

Loved every minute of it!

Where does The Dressmaker of Khair Khana rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audio books I've listened to. I couldn't wait to get back in the car!