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

""We're far more accustomed to—and comfortable with—seeing women portrayed as victims of war who deserve our sympathy rather than as resilient survivors who demand our respect…""

Former ABC journalist Gayle Tzemach Lemmon tells the riveting true story of Kamila Sidiqi and other women of Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban’s fearful rise to power. In what Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, calls “one of the most inspiring books I have ever read,” Lemmon recounts with novelistic vividness the true story of a fearless young woman who not only reinvented herself as an entrepreneur to save her family but, in the face of ferocious opposition, brought hope to the lives of dozens of women in war-torn Kabul.

Excellent Listen

For someone whose knowledge of the Taliban in Afghanistan mostly came from the evening news and Newsweek, this is a personal account of extraordinary women quietly living within a system and taking care of themselves and their families through a collective effort and the determination of a strong and courageous woman. The story is not heavy with political or governmental details, rather it is from the perspective of a family and its neighbors looking after one another while living under Taliban rule. Zimmerman's reading was tempered and consistent; she let the story speak for itself.

Inspiring

I'm a big fan of entrepreneurship. Reading about the courage, drive & thoughtfulness of these sisters who start a dressmaking business while under Taliban rule was amazing. This is a remarkable family & I so enjoyed reading about how their lives transformed in so many ways.

I was hooked from the first 5mins

What made the experience of listening to The Dressmaker of Khair Khana the most enjoyable?

I enjoy hearing about the life these girls had to lead and how they found a way to live withing the endless rules that had been placed on them...it was good to hear triumph over the odds.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kamila, the way she approaches things and deals with what comes to her is wonderful.

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

I find the readers voice entrancing and she keeps you focused on the story and you want to hear more.

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

I laughed and cried through the book, the girls had their moments but the descriptions of what happed to some was heartbreaking for me and unlike who told the story I wasn't there so imagine how they felt.

Any additional comments?

It is well worth a listen I found the whole thing uplifting so now if I think I am having a tough time I just remember what they lived through and I can see I am not really doing it tough.

Everyone needs to read this

I had no idea of history of this country..i am amazed at the strength and faith of this family..i want to eat naa and chai tea and sew this them...true heroines..everyone who wants to own a business or teach needs to read this book.

The Women of Afghanistan are Amazing!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was a wonderful real life tale. The women portrayed in this were amazing and the author and narrator keep you engaged through out. I felt the fear and the betrayal of a country turned against it's own citizens, but also an appreciation of why events unfolded the way they did. It helped me understand what it felt like to have the taliban take over your neighborhood and the women shut into their homes, only to find a way to keep themselves occupied as well as make a living in such an environment! This really is a must listen to for anyone interested in women in Afghanistan and their survival and strength. I was in awe.

What other book might you compare The Dressmaker of Khair Khana to and why?

The Kite Runner

Which scene was your favorite?

When the Taliban regime had just taken over and how it affected the women.

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

I had many "drive way" moments where I couldn't get out of my car because I wanted to listen to the end of a chapter.