The Kurdish Bike: A Novel

By: Alesa Lightbourne

Narrated by: Alesa Lightbourne

Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Gold Medal: Best Regional Fiction e-Book, Independent Publishers Book Awards 2017

First Place: Best Fiction of 2017, North Street Book Contest

With her marriage over and life gone flat, Theresa Turner responds to an online ad and lands at a school in Kurdish Iraq. Befriended by a widow in a nearby village, Theresa is embroiled in the joys and agonies of traditional Kurds, especially the women who survived Saddam's genocide only to be crippled by age-old restrictions, brutality, and honor killings.

Theresa's greatest challenge will be balancing respect for cultural values while trying to introduce more enlightened attitudes toward women - at the same time seeking new spiritual dimensions within herself.

The Kurdish Bike is gripping, tender, wry, and compassionate - an eye-opener into little known customs in one of the world's most explosive regions - a novel of love, betrayal, and redemption.

©2016 Alesa M. Lightbourne (P)2018 Alesa Lightbourne

An interesting look at a world unknown to many.

I listened to this story in the midst of an upsetting week, political-news wise, so I found the tale (which has subplots devoted to the continued prevalence of female genital mutilation) particularly disturbing. No matter what part of the globe one examines (with the possible exception of Scandinavia), huge numbers of men remain determined to control and subdue women through any means possible. The book is narrated by the author, who admits that much of it is semi-biographical, following her own stay among the Iraqi Kurds. While I felt enriched by learning of many of the adventures and experiences recounted, I often questioned the protagonist's choices and judgment. Her exposure to the Kurdish society was made easier by her brash decision to ride around (alone and female) on a bike, and thus there would probably have been no book without that decision. But many of her actions (such as taking hallucinogenic drugs and going out alone to lie under the sky and await wisdom) seemed decidedly ill-advised and poorly conceived (as did her recounted histories with men back home who continued to take advantage of her even while she was half-way around the world). Ms. Lightbourne writes beautifully, and her words were skillfully used to convey moods, settings, and personalities with great immediacy. The narration was at a quicker pace than many professional narrators use, but I find that a plus. The author graciously gifted me a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review, and I'm glad I listened to it. But it certainly didn't serve to brighten my week.

It’s a keeper.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved learning about the Kurdish culture in a very palatable manner. The author is humorous and self-deprecating.

A dive into Kurdish culture from American woman’s perspective.

I really enjoy learning about culture and history different than my own. I’ve learned as a white 60 something woman that it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to immerse myself into other cultures, so literature and film is the next best thing.
This is a story about expatriate teachers in Kurdistan. The protagonist forms a family like relationship with a traditional Kurdish family.
This book felt authentic, realistically describing humanity in our similarities and perceived extreme differences.

Mind Opening Novel

Excellent story comparing women s role in two very different cultures. The author describes the country and it's people through the eyes of an American visitor a little down on her luck and then realized she is the lucky one.

The Kurdish Bike

The writing was very well done. The story was convincing and characters made real through the story.

A Disturbing Tale of Acceptance and Submission

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

The author and narrator Alesa Lightbourne had to have experienced this situation first hand in order to be able to bring to us the often heart-breaking customs and beliefs of a Kurdish village. We certainly cannot claim to be ignorant of that reality. We know it exists and we see every day how women and young girls are abused by that society. It is maybe harder for us to comprehend how women would acquiesce to this status quo. This book simply explains why that is so. It is a look into the minds and souls of a race that has experienced too much grief and terror already and that has learned not to rebel against the inevitable. And yet... there is a little ray of hope for future generations, a hope we should all encourage. Great book and well narrated by the author.

Fascinating!

kurdish-people, teaching, contemporary, cultural-exploration

Alesa leaves behind the uncertainties of teaching students in the US for the uncertainties of teaching students who had become internationals during the years that Saddam Hussein dominated their homeland. She makes friends among her colleagues, learns to fake compliance with a repressive educational system, learns new words. But her best achievements are being befriended by a local young woman and her mother and helping to change awareness of the practice of female circumcision. There are good times and bad, highs and lows, especially those related to financial issues back in the states. This book is a novelization of the author's own experiences, and I am glad that part of that process included melding some characters together, the book itself is a learning experience for those of us who think that we have problems.
I generally prefer books which are narrated by the author, who better to know how to convey emotions and in some cases pronounce non English words!
I requested and received a free audio copy courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.

Made me laugh, very entertaining

I was caught somewhere between admiration for this teacher's bravery (traveling to Kurdistan to teach!) and her naivete at certain points in the story (why would she ever think it a good idea to ask middle school students about their experiences under Saddam Hussein?). Mostly I just wish I had been there to see the whole thing- her friendship with Muhammad, the sweet revenge she took on Bernie, even the sad moments with Bezma and others. The ending was brilliant and hilarious. Kudos for a job well done!

Such a great read (listen) !

This is one of the best new novels I've read in a long time. It has everything a good read should have, interesting writing about a culture of which we know so little, drama, sex, love, wit and fun. And well written. I so admire the main character, a woman full of moxie and chutzpah, and the other characters in the book as well. Completely believable. The reader was excellent, a beautiful voice, so clear. I couldn't wait to keep listening and my book club agrees. We will have fun discussing this one.

Blue Angel

Although the production of this book is not as Hollywood as some audible books the story is rich with meaning.
Much of the plight of the Kurdish women is untold. And This book sparks a curiosity to learn more of the history that much of the world has turned its back on.
The characters are real and authentic. The story telling is detailed and honest. This book would make for very good bookclub conversation and debate. Alesa has a way with words and her ability to share life experiences in a true and authentic way is wonderful.