Review of THE BREADWINNER

Ellis, Deborah. 2000. THE BREADWINNER. Toronto, Ontario: Groundwood Books. ISBN 0888994192.

PLOT SUMMARY
A year and a half after the Taliban overtakes Kabul, Afghanistan, eleven year old Parvana and her family are living in a one room apartment in a bombed-out building. Women and girls are not allowed to leave their homes without a male escort, they can not attend school, or hold a job. After reaching adolescence, females must also wear a burqa that completely conceals their body and veils their face whenever they venture outside. After Parvana’s father is arrested for having a foreign education, the family is left in a dangerous situation. Since her mother and older sister are not allowed to work and her younger siblings are too small, the family decides to transform Parvana into a boy so she can earn money to feed the family. Parvana and another girl work together to support their families in a hostile climate that gives them few choices.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Deborah Ellis’ poignant story of life in Afghanistan under Taliban rule reflects the experiences of many children of war. Parvana’s fear, hunger, desperation, and at times, hopelessness are authentic feelings of children from similar situations. While this particular story is set in Afghanistan, the emotions Ellis evokes could be from other war-torn counties across the world, not just the Middle East. Parvana’s strength, hope for a better future, and willingness to keep fighting for her family through creative means inspires readers even as they feel compassion for her.

The author’s use of language provides a connection that helps the reader better understand the culture of the Middle East. Descriptions of clothing (shalwar kameez), furniture (toshak), food (nan), and festivals (Eid) expose children to a rich and authentic vocabulary. A glossary of terms is included at the conclusion of the story to assist readers. The author’s style also engages children. Even though the drama is tense and serious, Parvana is determined to work towards a better future and her family refuses to succumb to their oppressors. Parvana’s heritage comes to life through vivid terminology and the hopeful style of the writing in the face of overwhelming opposition.

At the beginning of the story, Parvana’s father is the one holding his family together in the midst of war, hunger, and poverty. When he disappears into the prison, Parvana’s mother emotionally and physically collapses, leaving the four children in a desperate condition. Fortunately a friend arrives and rallies the family. In a household of women and children barricaded under Taliban rule, the only choice for survival is allowing Parvana to become a boy and support the family by working in the market. The author crafts an intense and emotional tale as family members take turns encouraging and protecting each other as they struggle to simply survive. This style of characterization is quite compatible with the plot of the story and makes the experience more realistic for readers.

One of Ellis’ strengths is her ability to accurately depict the grim setting of the story. At the time of the story, the spring and summer of 1998, Kabul has suffered through twenty years of war and most of the once thriving city is reduced to rumble. Ellis frequently describes the wreckage of war, but juxtaposes these harsh images with the sight of wildflowers or a peaceful mountain in the distance. Several of the adult characters speak about the beauty of the countryside and the excitement of Kabul before the bombings began. These messages serve as sad reminders of the destruction that war can bring to a country.

Ellis’ story of family survival in a time of war is both distinctly Middle Eastern and universal in its theme. The author succeeds in creating a true sense of life in Afghanistan. Readers feel compassion for these characters and experience a greater understanding of the Afghan culture. Ellis has also written a moving story about the human race’s will to survive in the face of such hostile conditions, regardless of location.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly comments, “the topical issues introduced, coupled with this strong heroine, will make this novel of interest to many conscientious teens.”

Amazon.com writes, “The Breadwinner is essential reading for any child curious about ordinary Afghans. Like so many books and movies on the subject, it is also eerily prophetic. "Maybe someone should drop a big bomb on the country and start again," says a friend of Parvana's. "'They've tried that,' Parvana said, 'It only made things worse.'"

Reviews accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Breadwinner-Deborah-Ellis/dp/0888994168

CONNECTIONS
Other books by Deborah Ellis concerning the Middle East:
MUD CITY. ISBN 0888995423.
PARVANA’S JOURNEY. ISBN 0888995199.
THREE WISHES: PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI CHILDREN SPEAK. ISBN 0888996454.

Submitted by Kim