Deeba’s story offers an up-close and spell-binding glimpse into the very heart of Afghanistan: a full immersion into its cultural, religious and socio-political struggles, the ravages of war on its traditional society, and the hardships of the refugee experience. This account of an educated and courageous woman who dared to speak her truth and resist an oppressive male-dominated culture is an inspiring one, and the world needs to hear more stories like hers. Deeba’s genuine love for her home country, her fierce devotion to family and justice, and her steadfast faith and persistence against horrific odds all endeared her to me. This book simultaneously infuses its readers with a sense of awe for the ever-changing and harsh beauty of mountainous landscapes, bathes them in the kindness and warm generosity of Afghan hospitality, and teaches them what real life was like behind the soundbites of news received in the west from this war-torn country. The language is beautiful, concise and authentic, a superb example of a woman’s true story captivatingly well told by a male author. While empathizing with personal tragedies endured by civilians, the reader is also uplifted by the pervading sense of love for family and friends and the joys of simple traditions, the delicious smells of chapati baking in village tandoors, and the occasional wisdom of Rumi. Perhaps most importantly, this book continually reminds us of the power of personal choice and commitment to justice. I’d read this one again!

Kathleen Koch, Amazon Reviewer

Escape from Taliban is a memoir of a brave woman Deeba who leaves Afghanistan and the suppressing Taliban and raises her children alone and providing them educational opportunities which wouldn’t have been possible under the brutal Taliban government. The memoir is an inspirational story of hope and strength of an Afghan woman.
Bashir Sakhawarz sums in this memoir beautifully the never ending trauma refugees experience. “Of all beings, man is not free. Birds fly away to another sky, animals run to another mountain or jungle, but man can’t go anywhere. Do you think those refugees escaped wars? They carry their prisons with them.”
A must read book for all women, refugees, immigrants, victims of wars and anyone who is interested in learning about the tragic history of Afghan women under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

Nagina Azizi, Amazon Reviewer

A beautiful book of Deeba's memories, which are a mixture of her own evolution (from an educated woman, to one without rights and identity, to a free and independent western mother) and the history of Afghanistan (from prosperity to never-ending destruction). The divine descriptions of rural areas will evoke in the reader the scent of the purple flowers of Arghwan Mila's jacaranda trees, while the description of fresh chapatis baked in Tandoors will make you want to try this specialty at least once. Every refugee will recognize his/her Shah Mahmud (a man of hope) and fear that he no longer exists. The book is not a fairy tale, but offers a kind of happy ending: a reassurance for Deebra, while her children are safe, successful and happy.

Danijela Rostohar, Amazon Reviewer

This is a moving and frightening story of a woman's experience in Afghanistan in the face of invasions by the Russians and then by the Taliban and their ideological violence especially towards women. Escape to Pakistan is the outcome and a scary journey across country to the border and ultimate safety. It is written in a clear and unemotional prose which makes its impact serious and compelling.The author an Afghan who lives now in London but has relatives in the USA is a published writer of poetry and prose in Persian and English and an award winner. An eye opening work.

Roger Jefferies, Amazon Reviewer