On The Edge of Being: An Afghan Woman's Journey

by Sharifa Sharif

Painful and shocking, but often hopeful, the stories in On The Edge Of Being illuminate the devastating impact of the split between body and voice that many Afghan women are forced to navigate.

The daughter of a progressive Afghan governor, Dr. Sharifa Sharif observes from an early age that life for women -- both within and beyond the walls of her home -- is neither simple, nor fair.

As she navigates the rocky terrain of what it means to be a woman in Afghan society, Sharif candidly connects her own troubling experiences with those of the girls and women around her: those who appeal to her father for justice, whose inability to alter the restrictions in her own life causes both anger and empathy.

From her childhood travelling through the poorest provinces in Afghanistan to life as a schoolteacher, an immigrant student in North America and beyond, Dr. Sharif struggles to define her identity through experiences of marginality, on the journey to reclaim her body and self.

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Elaha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heart wrenching journey into the lives of women in rural Afghanistan

The book explores toxic cultural beliefs and practices that are held dear by many Afghans. "Honour" is a recurring theme in all stories and the darker side of traditional values that lead to "honour" based violence and often "honour" killings is dissected in great depth. I admire Dr Sharif for talking about her personal experiences of abuse which is quite rare in the Afghan community. The book would have easily been a five star for me if the language was more profound and author's relationship with her mother was explored a little more. Nevertheless, it's one of my favourite books by an Afghan female writer and shall stay with me for a long long time!

[Kathleen McRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Sharifa Sharif Grew up in Afghanistan and now lives in Toronto, Canada where she works as a cultural advisor on Afghanistan. Dr Sharif was the daughter of a governor and with her family was moved to various provinces in Afghanistan throughout her fathers career.She grew up in a well off family with a father who educated his girls even whilst he oppressed and even beat her mother for such things as too much movement under her burka while in public.In one province there was a women's prison and they had an incarcerated woman as a maid.Both father and son took advantage of her vulnerability.I liked reading this book but was puzzled at the end when the author wrote a glowing tribute to the man who fathered her and a chapter about her very difficult relationship with her mother.Her mother was a baby machine and very burdened and oppressed which probably made her unkind and harsh . Her mother was also illiterate and spent most of her life hearing about her many faults.Why does her daughter who has received a great education and freedom in her life to make choices try to find good qualities to write about her father and very grudgingly try to forgive her mother.

[Khris Sellin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Sharif brings us face to face with the atrocities women face daily in Afghanistan. Even with her privileged upbringing, she did not escape unscathed. Heartbreaking and infuriating.