Freedom's Stand

By: Jeanette Windle

Narrated by: Rebecca Gallagher

Length: 16 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Find something to believe in...

Jamil renounced a life of jihad when he encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. But his new mission as an itinerant health worker in the hills of Afghanistan is met with skepticism and even violence. Returning to Kabul, relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization - changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant Jamil weighs heavily on her heart. Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson faces off against the riots and corruption of Afghanistan’s upcoming election. He’s looking for something that will give his life purpose but is confident that he won’t find it in Afghanistan. All three are searching for love and freedom. But in a country where political and religious injustice runs rampant, the cost of either may be higher than they realize.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2011 Jeanette Windle (P)2011 Oasis Audio

Gripping and compassionate

Freedom's Stand was a book I read in just over a day. The subject of Afghanistan and the plight of women and children has long been a passion.

The Christian element also interested me, as I know there are some who have accepted the message of Christ. Yet, I did not want a preachy book. Maudlin and sentimental Christian writing leaves me gagging. There was no fear with this book.

Jamil, a health worker who had dreamed of being a doctor became a Christian, but tried to be careful in the way he spread his beliefs so as not to hurt others. He had been a suicide bomber whose mission did not succeed. Add his American friend Amy, also a Christian and a passionate but slightly naïve young woman to the mix and things get more interesting. She wants to bring education and gainful employment to the women of Afghanistan. Her efforts are continually thwarted by the way things work in a society which looks at women as property. Amy grows considerably during the story.

An American contracted to provide security to various people meets Amy and becomes embroiled in her world. All three characters grow and the book comes to an intense and sad and happy conclusion. I don't want to give any spoilers, but some of the ending is really sad, yet also fits the story.

I really enjoyed this book a lot, though I was taking a chance in my mind. I would suggest you read it if you have an interest in the middle east and its complex nature.

The narrator did quite a good job with the book and I would definitely listen to another book done by her.