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Internationally bestselling author Nadia Hashimi’s first novel for young readers is an emotional, beautiful, and riveting coming-of-age journey to modern-day Afghanistan that explores life as a bacha posh—a preteen girl dressed as a boy.
Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune.
Her father lost one of his legs in a bomb explosion, forcing the family to move from their home city of Kabul to a small village, where life is very different and Obayda’s father almost never leaves his room.
One day, Obayda’s aunt has an idea to bring the family luck—dress Obayda, the youngest of her sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh.
Now Obayda is Obayd.
Life in this in-between place is confusing, but once Obayda meets another bacha posh, everything changes. The two of them can explore the village on their own, climbing trees, playing sports, and more.
But their transformation won’t last forever—unless the two best friends can figure out a way to make it stick and make their newfound freedoms endure.
Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune.
Her father lost one of his legs in a bomb explosion, forcing the family to move from their home city of Kabul to a small village, where life is very different and Obayda’s father almost never leaves his room.
One day, Obayda’s aunt has an idea to bring the family luck—dress Obayda, the youngest of her sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh.
Now Obayda is Obayd.
Life in this in-between place is confusing, but once Obayda meets another bacha posh, everything changes. The two of them can explore the village on their own, climbing trees, playing sports, and more.
But their transformation won’t last forever—unless the two best friends can figure out a way to make it stick and make their newfound freedoms endure.
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First published August 1, 2016
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About the author
Nadia Hashimi
15 books4,077 followersReader, Mom, Pediatrician, Author, Advocate, Dog Walker (only my own, no solicitations please.)
Loves dark chocolate, coffee, and many other clichéd indulgences.
Loves dark chocolate, coffee, and many other clichéd indulgences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
February 6, 2017
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read, and will forever remain one my favorites.
It was with great anticipation that I looked forward to a new book from this author. I was delighted when One Half from the East was published.
The cover of the book immediately gripped me. So absolutely striking.
"Sometimes hiding can set you free" it says on the cover. How true of Obayda's story. When family misfortune forced the family to move back to a small village from Kabul, Pakistan, the family faced hardship when the father fell into a deep depression after the bomb explosion that crippled him. With no income and no son in the home, it was decided that Obayda must become Obayd, a bacha posh. As a girl-boy, she would be allowed to work and take care of the family, while also attending school.
In the boys classroom, ten-year-old Obayd meet thirteen-year-old Rashim, and discover another bacha posh. Rashim, or Rashima, was the bacha posh young girl in The Pearl That Broke Its Shell who were married off with her sisters. In One Half from the East we meet her as young girl in school. A beautiful friendship developed between the two girl-boys. Rashima would teach her what it meant to be one half from the east and one half from the west.
This book is meant for middle school readers and a beautiful tale of courage, love and perseverance. It is written in a different style than the previous book which was aimed at adult readers.
I simply loved it! A sweet little girl in an endearing story.
RECOMMENDED!
It was with great anticipation that I looked forward to a new book from this author. I was delighted when One Half from the East was published.
The cover of the book immediately gripped me. So absolutely striking.
"Sometimes hiding can set you free" it says on the cover. How true of Obayda's story. When family misfortune forced the family to move back to a small village from Kabul, Pakistan, the family faced hardship when the father fell into a deep depression after the bomb explosion that crippled him. With no income and no son in the home, it was decided that Obayda must become Obayd, a bacha posh. As a girl-boy, she would be allowed to work and take care of the family, while also attending school.
In the boys classroom, ten-year-old Obayd meet thirteen-year-old Rashim, and discover another bacha posh. Rashim, or Rashima, was the bacha posh young girl in The Pearl That Broke Its Shell who were married off with her sisters. In One Half from the East we meet her as young girl in school. A beautiful friendship developed between the two girl-boys. Rashima would teach her what it meant to be one half from the east and one half from the west.
"Boys are built of rock and metal. We eat meet and show our teeth."One day they were told a story which promised them great happiness. Little did they know what the consequences would be ...
"And girls?"
"Girls are made of flower petals and paper bags. They eat berries and sip tea like something might jump out of the hot water and bite them."
This book is meant for middle school readers and a beautiful tale of courage, love and perseverance. It is written in a different style than the previous book which was aimed at adult readers.
I simply loved it! A sweet little girl in an endearing story.
RECOMMENDED!
October 13, 2016
“Friendship ... is born at the moment when one man says to another "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .”
----C.S. Lewis
Nadia Hashimi, an internationally bestselling author, pens a terrific and extremely heart rending yet enlightening tale of love, friendships, child marriage, bacha posh in her new middle grade contemporary fiction book, One Half from the East where the author weaves a tale centered around a ten year old Afghan girl who encounters a bomb blast that claims her father's leg that led that girl and her family to shift to the villages where the little girl is forced to dress as a boy in order to bring good fortune to her falling family.
Synopsis:
Internationally bestselling author Nadia Hashimi’s first novel for young readers is an emotional, beautiful, and riveting coming-of-age journey to modern-day Afghanistan that explores life as a bacha posh—a preteen girl dressed as a boy.
Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune.
Her father lost one of his legs in a bomb explosion, forcing the family to move from their home city of Kabul to a small village, where life is very different and Obayda’s father almost never leaves his room.
One day, Obayda’s aunt has an idea to bring the family luck—dress Obayda, the youngest of her sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh.
Now Obayda is Obayd.
Life in this in-between place is confusing, but once Obayda meets another bacha posh, everything changes. The two of them can explore the village on their own, climbing trees, playing sports, and more.
But their transformation won’t last forever—unless the two best friends can figure out a way to make it stick and make their newfound freedoms endure.
Obayda faces the tragic bomb blast in a market in Kabul that claimed her policeman father's leg, thereby stripping away their family's financial source and means of living, which finally led Obayda, her one legged father, her mother and her three elder sisters to shift to their father's village house. In the village Obayda's and her family's life resumes normally with the financial help from her father's brother. But one fine day, Obayda's aunt proposes her mother to turn their youngest daughter into bacha posh (a preteen girl dresses as a boy) in order to support their financial condition, as the girls are not allowed to work in Afghanistan, instead being a boy, she has the freedom to bring money into her family by doing odd jobs. Obayda reluctantly turns into a boy with a reformed name, Obayd, and in the beginning, Obayd faces a lot of challenges to settle into the lifestyle of a boy who can run freely, eat more food, stay outside his home until nightfall and can be exempted from any household and domestic chores. So gradually Obayd learns the ropes to be a boy dresses in shirts and pants, and in the process, he finds a new friend, Rahim, in school who is also like him, and together they embrace the freedom, run wildly through the mountains to pass below the rainbows, chase other boys, do anything they like, but all until puberty and they would do anything to stay a bacha posh forever. But there is no forever for a bacha posh.
This is the first Nadia Hashimi that I got an opportunity to read, although in my tbr shelf, a copy of The Pearl That Broke Its Shell is lying there for over months now, as I have not yet found the time to read it. And after reading the prequel of The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, I'm definitely looking forward in reading about Rahima's painful journey into marriage, love and womanhood. This story that is centered around Rahima's friend, Obayda is a real gem that is polished, flawless and shinning brightly through its equally evocative emotional and psychological aspects. Right from the very first page, the story swept me away into the dusty and rugged terrain of Kabul along with Obayda and her adventures as a bacha posh. This is a must read not only for all children but also for the adults that will let them see brutal truth behind the life of a woman/girl living in a misogynist society.
The author's writing style is coherent yet exquisite, rich with myriad of emotions that will make the readers feel the pain, joy, happiness and the challenges of the protagonist till the very last page. The narrative is very simple and easy to comprehend with and the author has strikingly captured the voice and mindset of a ten year old girl that is not only honest but is quite thought provoking, that will force the readers to think about the protagonist's situation from their hearts. The pacing of the book is really swift as the author unravels the story through some layers and twists that will surprise the readers. As a whole, this is a fulfilling read, but it is bound to leave the readers with a hangover and lasting impression for the protagonist and her family.
The backdrop of the story is vividly arrested into the plot with the tiny and minute details about the landscapes, the food, the culture, the religious beliefs, the societal stigmas, the prejudiced ideals, the streets, the people, the traditional attire and everything, that will let the readers visually imagine the scenes unfolding right before their eyes. So this story will transport the readers right into the middle of a forgotten village in Kabul where people are dominated by a cruel and vicious warlord.
The characters from this story are equally well developed, laced with flaws and dynamism in their demeanor thereby making them look real and believable in the eyes of the readers. The main character, Obayda is flawlessly depicted with enough realism and flaws, the readers can easily comprehend with the feelings of this little girl, who is learning so much about the double standard world she lives in without a question, although she is quite mature compared to her tender age. The other supporting characters are also equally fantastic and enlightens the story with their unmatched charm.
In a nutshell, this is a captivating middle grade story that is not only poignant but will keep the readers turn the pages of this book frantically to learn about a girl treading her way into the world bravely and freely like a boy, even though she knows that her freedom isn't long lasting.
Verdict: A must read for all. Hashimi at her best.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Harper Collins India for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
----C.S. Lewis
Nadia Hashimi, an internationally bestselling author, pens a terrific and extremely heart rending yet enlightening tale of love, friendships, child marriage, bacha posh in her new middle grade contemporary fiction book, One Half from the East where the author weaves a tale centered around a ten year old Afghan girl who encounters a bomb blast that claims her father's leg that led that girl and her family to shift to the villages where the little girl is forced to dress as a boy in order to bring good fortune to her falling family.
Synopsis:
Internationally bestselling author Nadia Hashimi’s first novel for young readers is an emotional, beautiful, and riveting coming-of-age journey to modern-day Afghanistan that explores life as a bacha posh—a preteen girl dressed as a boy.
Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune.
Her father lost one of his legs in a bomb explosion, forcing the family to move from their home city of Kabul to a small village, where life is very different and Obayda’s father almost never leaves his room.
One day, Obayda’s aunt has an idea to bring the family luck—dress Obayda, the youngest of her sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh.
Now Obayda is Obayd.
Life in this in-between place is confusing, but once Obayda meets another bacha posh, everything changes. The two of them can explore the village on their own, climbing trees, playing sports, and more.
But their transformation won’t last forever—unless the two best friends can figure out a way to make it stick and make their newfound freedoms endure.
Obayda faces the tragic bomb blast in a market in Kabul that claimed her policeman father's leg, thereby stripping away their family's financial source and means of living, which finally led Obayda, her one legged father, her mother and her three elder sisters to shift to their father's village house. In the village Obayda's and her family's life resumes normally with the financial help from her father's brother. But one fine day, Obayda's aunt proposes her mother to turn their youngest daughter into bacha posh (a preteen girl dresses as a boy) in order to support their financial condition, as the girls are not allowed to work in Afghanistan, instead being a boy, she has the freedom to bring money into her family by doing odd jobs. Obayda reluctantly turns into a boy with a reformed name, Obayd, and in the beginning, Obayd faces a lot of challenges to settle into the lifestyle of a boy who can run freely, eat more food, stay outside his home until nightfall and can be exempted from any household and domestic chores. So gradually Obayd learns the ropes to be a boy dresses in shirts and pants, and in the process, he finds a new friend, Rahim, in school who is also like him, and together they embrace the freedom, run wildly through the mountains to pass below the rainbows, chase other boys, do anything they like, but all until puberty and they would do anything to stay a bacha posh forever. But there is no forever for a bacha posh.
This is the first Nadia Hashimi that I got an opportunity to read, although in my tbr shelf, a copy of The Pearl That Broke Its Shell is lying there for over months now, as I have not yet found the time to read it. And after reading the prequel of The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, I'm definitely looking forward in reading about Rahima's painful journey into marriage, love and womanhood. This story that is centered around Rahima's friend, Obayda is a real gem that is polished, flawless and shinning brightly through its equally evocative emotional and psychological aspects. Right from the very first page, the story swept me away into the dusty and rugged terrain of Kabul along with Obayda and her adventures as a bacha posh. This is a must read not only for all children but also for the adults that will let them see brutal truth behind the life of a woman/girl living in a misogynist society.
The author's writing style is coherent yet exquisite, rich with myriad of emotions that will make the readers feel the pain, joy, happiness and the challenges of the protagonist till the very last page. The narrative is very simple and easy to comprehend with and the author has strikingly captured the voice and mindset of a ten year old girl that is not only honest but is quite thought provoking, that will force the readers to think about the protagonist's situation from their hearts. The pacing of the book is really swift as the author unravels the story through some layers and twists that will surprise the readers. As a whole, this is a fulfilling read, but it is bound to leave the readers with a hangover and lasting impression for the protagonist and her family.
The backdrop of the story is vividly arrested into the plot with the tiny and minute details about the landscapes, the food, the culture, the religious beliefs, the societal stigmas, the prejudiced ideals, the streets, the people, the traditional attire and everything, that will let the readers visually imagine the scenes unfolding right before their eyes. So this story will transport the readers right into the middle of a forgotten village in Kabul where people are dominated by a cruel and vicious warlord.
The characters from this story are equally well developed, laced with flaws and dynamism in their demeanor thereby making them look real and believable in the eyes of the readers. The main character, Obayda is flawlessly depicted with enough realism and flaws, the readers can easily comprehend with the feelings of this little girl, who is learning so much about the double standard world she lives in without a question, although she is quite mature compared to her tender age. The other supporting characters are also equally fantastic and enlightens the story with their unmatched charm.
In a nutshell, this is a captivating middle grade story that is not only poignant but will keep the readers turn the pages of this book frantically to learn about a girl treading her way into the world bravely and freely like a boy, even though she knows that her freedom isn't long lasting.
Verdict: A must read for all. Hashimi at her best.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Harper Collins India for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
February 25, 2021
Nadia Hashimi returns to the story of the Bacha Posh girls of Afghanistan,which she first wrote about in the Pearl that Broke its Shell.
Rahima or Rahim,from that book returns.But the story is told from the perspective of another girl Obeydah,who is made to look like a boy,Obeyd.
This practice is resorted to by Afghan families which don't have a son,and temporarily enlist the services of their pre pubescent girls to perform the work of a boy outside the house.
For the girl who gets transformed,the transition is not easy.She attracts unwanted attention and finds it hard to hide her secret.
To make matters worse,after a few years,inevitably she looks like a girl and has to undergo yet another transition,just when she has settled into her new role as a boy and experienced some freedom.
An interesting exploration of a peculiar and rather cruel cultural practice,in a country which is known for many peculiarities and atrocities.
Rahima or Rahim,from that book returns.But the story is told from the perspective of another girl Obeydah,who is made to look like a boy,Obeyd.
This practice is resorted to by Afghan families which don't have a son,and temporarily enlist the services of their pre pubescent girls to perform the work of a boy outside the house.
For the girl who gets transformed,the transition is not easy.She attracts unwanted attention and finds it hard to hide her secret.
To make matters worse,after a few years,inevitably she looks like a girl and has to undergo yet another transition,just when she has settled into her new role as a boy and experienced some freedom.
An interesting exploration of a peculiar and rather cruel cultural practice,in a country which is known for many peculiarities and atrocities.
October 15, 2017
That was just lovely. After finishing Hashimi's previous three novels, I was committed to reading whatever she wrote next. So it didn't matter to me that this book is YA (young adult) and I never read YA!
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell was the first book I've read that was set in Afghanistan, and it opened my eyes to a world I was clueless about. Before reading it, I'd never heard of a bacha posh. Sometimes families without sons will pick a daughter to live and behave as a boy, a bacha posh, since boys have more freedom, even more so than adult women. The central family in The Pearl novel chooses a daughter, Rahima, to become a bacha posh. In One Half from the East, Rahima is reintroduced while she is Rahim. That made me grin from ear to ear!
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell focuses more on Rahima's life as a woman, and the tenacity of other women in the family. One Half from the East is entirely about Rahim living as a boy, though she is only a friend to the main protagonist, whose family has also chosen her to become a bacha poshh.
As many times as this book made me laugh -- because the kids in this novel are too funny!-- I couldn't help but reflect on how simply cutting her hair, taking away her dresses, and telling a little girl that she is a boy, she suddenly realizes she can do everything a boy can do. But I don't think I articulate this more beautifully than the author does in her Author's Note:
What's more startling is how the dynamics change within the home and the tension that grows between the sisters and their "brother." But the part that got at my emotions is the psychological impact on a bacha posh when it's time for her to give up life as a boy. And in the case of Rahim, it was due to an unthinkable decision made by her family (which I know how it plays out having read The Pearl That Broke its Shell).
This is an engaging read by an amazing author -- one of my new favorites! If you decide to read her novels, I'd recommend doing so chronologically as there is a natural progression of the stories she tells. There's a pulsating dichotomy between the Afghan women of the past and Afghan women of present who have to come to grips with adopting traditional ways or a more Western interpretation of roles.
Love!
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell was the first book I've read that was set in Afghanistan, and it opened my eyes to a world I was clueless about. Before reading it, I'd never heard of a bacha posh. Sometimes families without sons will pick a daughter to live and behave as a boy, a bacha posh, since boys have more freedom, even more so than adult women. The central family in The Pearl novel chooses a daughter, Rahima, to become a bacha posh. In One Half from the East, Rahima is reintroduced while she is Rahim. That made me grin from ear to ear!
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell focuses more on Rahima's life as a woman, and the tenacity of other women in the family. One Half from the East is entirely about Rahim living as a boy, though she is only a friend to the main protagonist, whose family has also chosen her to become a bacha poshh.
As many times as this book made me laugh -- because the kids in this novel are too funny!-- I couldn't help but reflect on how simply cutting her hair, taking away her dresses, and telling a little girl that she is a boy, she suddenly realizes she can do everything a boy can do. But I don't think I articulate this more beautifully than the author does in her Author's Note:
The bacha posh tradition exists because sons are valued in a way daughters are not. It exists because there is a perception that boys are capable of things girls are not.
The bacha posh is a powerful teacher. By a simple change in attire, her potential changes. Her confidence is lifted. Her worth is multiplied. And yet, she is the same person underneath the shallow veneer of boyhood.
What's more startling is how the dynamics change within the home and the tension that grows between the sisters and their "brother." But the part that got at my emotions is the psychological impact on a bacha posh when it's time for her to give up life as a boy. And in the case of Rahim, it was due to an unthinkable decision made by her family (which I know how it plays out having read The Pearl That Broke its Shell).
This is an engaging read by an amazing author -- one of my new favorites! If you decide to read her novels, I'd recommend doing so chronologically as there is a natural progression of the stories she tells. There's a pulsating dichotomy between the Afghan women of the past and Afghan women of present who have to come to grips with adopting traditional ways or a more Western interpretation of roles.
Love!
November 22, 2019
"The bacha posh tradition exists because sons are valued in a way daughters are not. It exists because there is a perception that boys are capable of things girls are not. Are these thoughts unique to
Afghanistan? Sadly, not at all.
There are many ways to devalue girls. It can be as flagrant as barring girls from school or forcing them to become brides when they should be learning to read. It can also be as insidious as jeering
that someone “throws like a girl” or not blinking when a girl’s voice is interrupted by that of a boy."
“When one gender is so important and the other is unwanted, there will always be those who try to pass over to the other side."
Afghanistan? Sadly, not at all.
There are many ways to devalue girls. It can be as flagrant as barring girls from school or forcing them to become brides when they should be learning to read. It can also be as insidious as jeering
that someone “throws like a girl” or not blinking when a girl’s voice is interrupted by that of a boy."
“When one gender is so important and the other is unwanted, there will always be those who try to pass over to the other side."
September 25, 2016
After reading The Pearl That Broke Its Shell I was excited to read another book by this writer. This book deals again with the bacha posh tradition in Afghanistan (girl dressed as a boy), but it is much more on the personal experiences of turning into a boy and the meaning of the change. It is very important to remember that this is intended as a YA book, and therefore it is much simpler than her former book. As a YA book I would surely score it 5 stars, because there are so few YA books that are good, and also make people think (and with clean language and without super annoying protagonists), especially books dealing with gender inequality.
The bacha posh tradition of Afghanistan is interesting. But moreover, it makes you wonder what is the meaning of gender, what it means to be a girl. Or as it appears in the book “But do the body parts matter?” Meena asks. “Are you a boy because you have those body parts or are you a boy because you get to do boy things?”. This is not only true in cultures like Afghanistan's where sons are valued in a way daughters are not, in many cultures (maybe ours too? ;) there is a perception that boys are capable of things girls are not, or at least different things.
Obayda's story is wonderful. With the haircut and change of clothes her world changes, her potential changes, her confidence goes up, her chores disappear, her food improves. She is more worthy than her sisters. But she struggles to become a boy (probably I would be too if I was her) I am uncomfortable with my new life in pants. Even bigger problem is, that she will need to go through the opposite transition not too far in the future before puberty. Did the external change makes a difference in who she is? Is she still the same person underneath? (Think of "Fake it till you make it" theory, maybe it does make a difference?).
A book that reminds that girls and boys are equal in what they can achieve. That we shouldn't clip children's wings. That gender has meaning in today's world, and that we need to embrace independence and help children to be whatever they want to be, and try anything, no matter their gender. The potential is huge, we just need to see it and let it out.
Note: I would give it 4 stars for adults, especially ones that read The Pearl That Broke Its Shell. The first half of the book is just a deeper look into becoming a bacha posh, and was nice, but not necessary for me after reading prior writings about it. With that said, it is a clear 5 stars for YA (therefore the score). I wish there were more books like this, and more writers like Hashimi.
The bacha posh tradition of Afghanistan is interesting. But moreover, it makes you wonder what is the meaning of gender, what it means to be a girl. Or as it appears in the book “But do the body parts matter?” Meena asks. “Are you a boy because you have those body parts or are you a boy because you get to do boy things?”. This is not only true in cultures like Afghanistan's where sons are valued in a way daughters are not, in many cultures (maybe ours too? ;) there is a perception that boys are capable of things girls are not, or at least different things.
Obayda's story is wonderful. With the haircut and change of clothes her world changes, her potential changes, her confidence goes up, her chores disappear, her food improves. She is more worthy than her sisters. But she struggles to become a boy (probably I would be too if I was her) I am uncomfortable with my new life in pants. Even bigger problem is, that she will need to go through the opposite transition not too far in the future before puberty. Did the external change makes a difference in who she is? Is she still the same person underneath? (Think of "Fake it till you make it" theory, maybe it does make a difference?).
A book that reminds that girls and boys are equal in what they can achieve. That we shouldn't clip children's wings. That gender has meaning in today's world, and that we need to embrace independence and help children to be whatever they want to be, and try anything, no matter their gender. The potential is huge, we just need to see it and let it out.
Note: I would give it 4 stars for adults, especially ones that read The Pearl That Broke Its Shell. The first half of the book is just a deeper look into becoming a bacha posh, and was nice, but not necessary for me after reading prior writings about it. With that said, it is a clear 5 stars for YA (therefore the score). I wish there were more books like this, and more writers like Hashimi.
July 2, 2019
3.5 stars
You are the best of both worlds- one half from the east and one half from the west.
Nadia Hashimi is one of my favorite authors and her first YA foray published in 2016 has been lingering on my TBR for a long while. Hopefully, I will remind a few others that it has lingered on their TBR too. Set in modern day Afghanistan and centering on the tradition of bacha posh, youngest daughter Obadya, begins to live her life as a boy and become Obayd.
Make Obayda your son, and let him fix everything that's wrong with your family.
Once a successful police officer, Obayd's father sustained a severe injury that has resulted in him learning to live life as a one legged man. Obayd just wants his mother and sisters to have a good life again and sets out on a mission with his friend, Rahim, another bacha posh, to make his father feel good again.
But it's hard to tell a one legged man that it's time to stand up.
As Obayd continues with his schooling and embarking on his friendship with Rahim he begins to fear the day that his parents will ask him to become Obayda again.
Are you a boy because you have those body parts or are you a boy because you get to do boy things.
This book was heartbreaking and powerful in its exploration of the role that gender plays. If I had one quibble, I wish that it has as powerful of an ending to match the overall story.
Goodreads Review 02/07/19
You are the best of both worlds- one half from the east and one half from the west.
Nadia Hashimi is one of my favorite authors and her first YA foray published in 2016 has been lingering on my TBR for a long while. Hopefully, I will remind a few others that it has lingered on their TBR too. Set in modern day Afghanistan and centering on the tradition of bacha posh, youngest daughter Obadya, begins to live her life as a boy and become Obayd.
Make Obayda your son, and let him fix everything that's wrong with your family.
Once a successful police officer, Obayd's father sustained a severe injury that has resulted in him learning to live life as a one legged man. Obayd just wants his mother and sisters to have a good life again and sets out on a mission with his friend, Rahim, another bacha posh, to make his father feel good again.
But it's hard to tell a one legged man that it's time to stand up.
As Obayd continues with his schooling and embarking on his friendship with Rahim he begins to fear the day that his parents will ask him to become Obayda again.
Are you a boy because you have those body parts or are you a boy because you get to do boy things.
This book was heartbreaking and powerful in its exploration of the role that gender plays. If I had one quibble, I wish that it has as powerful of an ending to match the overall story.
Goodreads Review 02/07/19
November 19, 2016
Writing this review is difficult, because even though I did appreciate the basic parts/aspects of this book, I had an issue with almost everything else; and now that I sit down to express all my thoughts on this book - nearly a week after finishing it - I realize that I don't even have that much to say. All in all, One Half From the East dared (and tried) to give out a bold message, but which came out rather ineffectucal and underwhelming.
The story follows Obayda and her family, who, after a recent disaster have been forced to move from Kabul to a small village in Afghanistan. Due to the lack of money and a sudden change in lifestyle, they're faced with problems, when suddenly one of their family members comes up with an idea to turn Obayda into a boy. Meaning, dress her up as a boy so as to bring 'good luck' (a boy) into the family so that their life gets better.
Straight up, I have to say that the book did well in portraying certain orthodox mindsets of people, which are prevalent even today. The whole belief that a boy child is good luck and better and even the classification of gender roles was very truly portrayed in the book. I can understand how it might come off as sexist to some people, but trust me, it's reality.
However, even though the book does portray this reality, it wholeheartedly tries to convince you that the gender of the child does not matter when it comes to love and affection. It takes a stand against such division, and tries to convince the reader that be it a girl or boy, it's all the same. So? A strong portrayal of reality and an even stronger message.
But is it really that impactful? Does that message stand clear and strong, and make its mark? Sadly, no. A weak plot, bland writing and a somewhat boring narrative make the book a difficulty to get through.
The plot of the book itself was weak, and it had loopholes. The whole concept of how the girl-to-boy change works, isn't explained at all, it's just mentioned in the book to be a common thing, but how it's done or...nothing really is said about it.
The writing of the book was so plain and bad. For a book which isn't much plot-wise, it really has to have strong writing and characetrization. I get that the book, being written from the point of view of a child, cannot be much advanced but it would've been much better had it been written better from someone else's POV. That would've added colour.
All in all, I didn't regret reading the book, but I could've done without it. There are quite a few things I wish had been done differently, and just imagining some of those is making me think how amazing this book might have been.
My Rating
2/5 stars
The story follows Obayda and her family, who, after a recent disaster have been forced to move from Kabul to a small village in Afghanistan. Due to the lack of money and a sudden change in lifestyle, they're faced with problems, when suddenly one of their family members comes up with an idea to turn Obayda into a boy. Meaning, dress her up as a boy so as to bring 'good luck' (a boy) into the family so that their life gets better.
Straight up, I have to say that the book did well in portraying certain orthodox mindsets of people, which are prevalent even today. The whole belief that a boy child is good luck and better and even the classification of gender roles was very truly portrayed in the book. I can understand how it might come off as sexist to some people, but trust me, it's reality.
However, even though the book does portray this reality, it wholeheartedly tries to convince you that the gender of the child does not matter when it comes to love and affection. It takes a stand against such division, and tries to convince the reader that be it a girl or boy, it's all the same. So? A strong portrayal of reality and an even stronger message.
But is it really that impactful? Does that message stand clear and strong, and make its mark? Sadly, no. A weak plot, bland writing and a somewhat boring narrative make the book a difficulty to get through.
The plot of the book itself was weak, and it had loopholes. The whole concept of how the girl-to-boy change works, isn't explained at all, it's just mentioned in the book to be a common thing, but how it's done or...nothing really is said about it.
The writing of the book was so plain and bad. For a book which isn't much plot-wise, it really has to have strong writing and characetrization. I get that the book, being written from the point of view of a child, cannot be much advanced but it would've been much better had it been written better from someone else's POV. That would've added colour.
All in all, I didn't regret reading the book, but I could've done without it. There are quite a few things I wish had been done differently, and just imagining some of those is making me think how amazing this book might have been.
My Rating
2/5 stars
August 17, 2021
With the atrocities that are happening in Afghanistan right now, it's even more important to try to learn even more about the place, its history and it's people.
Even though the storytelling was very simplistic, Nadia Hashimi could bring, in a easy way, up to discussion gender and social norms to girls and boys.
And how important it is for governments (especially the US that let people fell of the plane in the middle of the sky) to help those people and, especially, those women.
Overall, it was a good book but nothing that much remarkable.
Even though the storytelling was very simplistic, Nadia Hashimi could bring, in a easy way, up to discussion gender and social norms to girls and boys.
And how important it is for governments (especially the US that let people fell of the plane in the middle of the sky) to help those people and, especially, those women.
Overall, it was a good book but nothing that much remarkable.
February 23, 2024
مع '' الباشابوش'' مرة أخرى..
الباشابوش، عادة أفغانية قديمة تحوّل فيها الأسرة التي لم تنجب فتى إحدى فتياتها الصغيرات الى ذكر، ظاهريا فقط، يلبسونها ملابس ولد ويحلقون شعرها ويطلقونها في الشارع لتتعامل كفتى حقيقي.
في هذه الرواية كانت '' عبيدة'' التي أصبحت بين ليلة وضحاها '' عبيد''..
ترصد الكاتبة التحولات النفسية التي صاحبت مرور عبيدة من فتاة بفستان إلى فتى ببنطال.
الأمر أعمق من مجرد تحول شكلي، انه تحول نفسي للعائلة كلها، يجب أن يصدق الجميع أن الذي أمامه ذكر بحق، يُمحى كل ما كان يتعلق بهويته الأنثوية.
لماذا؟
لأنهم في بلد للفتيان فيها مكانة ليست للفتيات.
لأنهم يؤمنون أن العائلة المحظوظة هي التي تملك ذكرا، ذلك أن الرجل يمكنه فعل أشياء لا يمكن للمرأة فعلها.
لأن الفتاة في أفغانستان تعليمها ليس مهما بل قد تصل حد منعها من التعلم، خروجها إلى الشارع عيب واللعب عيب.. أما تزويجها صغيرة فهو العادي والمستحب.
لذلك فإن عادة الباشابوش قد تكون حيلة في صالح بعض الفتيات، تغيير بسيط في الهيأة يمكنها من الخروج الذهاب إلى المدرسة.
لكن هذا لا يدوم طويلا، فمع بلوغ الفتاة، يجب أن تعود كما كانت و تنسى أنها كانت تعيش كذكر لفترة من عمرها.
الأمر معقد، ونفسيا له تبعات وخيمة على البنت وحتى العائلة.. تطرقت لها الكاتبة بإستفاضة أكثر في روايتها هذه.
لا أعلم ان كانت هذه العادة ما تزال موجودة في أفغانستان ام تم الاستغناء عنها، بحثت كثيرا لكنني لم أجد سوى وثائقي قصير عنها.
من قرأ رواية اللؤلؤة التي كسرت محارتها لنفس الكاتبة ربما يتفاجئ بأن أسلوب هذه الرواية أبسط بكثير جدا.. لكنني أجد أن ذلك طبيعي، إذ أن هذه الرواية كانت تُروى على لسان عبيدة الطفلة، فالأسلوب الطفولي كان غالبا، وهو ما أضفى برأيي صدقا كبيرا على أحداثها.
في الختام، أتمنى من كل قلبي أن يتغير حال المرأة في هذه البلدان، أن لا تُقصّ جناحاها، أن تتعلم وتعطى فرصة لتبتكر وتثبت ذاتها، أن لا تشعر يوما أنها أقل شأنا من أحد..
أن لا تضطر عائلتها إلى الإستعانة بعادة الباشابوش لتتمتع بامتيازات حصرية للرجال.
الباشابوش، عادة أفغانية قديمة تحوّل فيها الأسرة التي لم تنجب فتى إحدى فتياتها الصغيرات الى ذكر، ظاهريا فقط، يلبسونها ملابس ولد ويحلقون شعرها ويطلقونها في الشارع لتتعامل كفتى حقيقي.
في هذه الرواية كانت '' عبيدة'' التي أصبحت بين ليلة وضحاها '' عبيد''..
ترصد الكاتبة التحولات النفسية التي صاحبت مرور عبيدة من فتاة بفستان إلى فتى ببنطال.
الأمر أعمق من مجرد تحول شكلي، انه تحول نفسي للعائلة كلها، يجب أن يصدق الجميع أن الذي أمامه ذكر بحق، يُمحى كل ما كان يتعلق بهويته الأنثوية.
لماذا؟
لأنهم في بلد للفتيان فيها مكانة ليست للفتيات.
لأنهم يؤمنون أن العائلة المحظوظة هي التي تملك ذكرا، ذلك أن الرجل يمكنه فعل أشياء لا يمكن للمرأة فعلها.
لأن الفتاة في أفغانستان تعليمها ليس مهما بل قد تصل حد منعها من التعلم، خروجها إلى الشارع عيب واللعب عيب.. أما تزويجها صغيرة فهو العادي والمستحب.
لذلك فإن عادة الباشابوش قد تكون حيلة في صالح بعض الفتيات، تغيير بسيط في الهيأة يمكنها من الخروج الذهاب إلى المدرسة.
لكن هذا لا يدوم طويلا، فمع بلوغ الفتاة، يجب أن تعود كما كانت و تنسى أنها كانت تعيش كذكر لفترة من عمرها.
الأمر معقد، ونفسيا له تبعات وخيمة على البنت وحتى العائلة.. تطرقت لها الكاتبة بإستفاضة أكثر في روايتها هذه.
لا أعلم ان كانت هذه العادة ما تزال موجودة في أفغانستان ام تم الاستغناء عنها، بحثت كثيرا لكنني لم أجد سوى وثائقي قصير عنها.
من قرأ رواية اللؤلؤة التي كسرت محارتها لنفس الكاتبة ربما يتفاجئ بأن أسلوب هذه الرواية أبسط بكثير جدا.. لكنني أجد أن ذلك طبيعي، إذ أن هذه الرواية كانت تُروى على لسان عبيدة الطفلة، فالأسلوب الطفولي كان غالبا، وهو ما أضفى برأيي صدقا كبيرا على أحداثها.
في الختام، أتمنى من كل قلبي أن يتغير حال المرأة في هذه البلدان، أن لا تُقصّ جناحاها، أن تتعلم وتعطى فرصة لتبتكر وتثبت ذاتها، أن لا تشعر يوما أنها أقل شأنا من أحد..
أن لا تضطر عائلتها إلى الإستعانة بعادة الباشابوش لتتمتع بامتيازات حصرية للرجال.
May 18, 2016
A special thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins Canada for an ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
Nadia Hashimi's first YA novel is a coming-of-age story with a twist. Set in modern-day Afghanistan, we meet Obayda, the youngest girl of four sisters, who becomes a bacha posh (a preteen girl dressed as a boy) to bring her family luck.
Obayda, now Obayd, must live as though she were a boy however, is struggling as he straddles both worlds until he meets another bacha posh, Rahim. Together they try to find a way to make their transformations stick so that they can enjoy their newfound freedoms.
Hashimi explores the bacha posh in The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, and crosses over the character of Rahima/Rahim. She was interested in this part of Afghanistan's past after reading an article about how a king would use women, dressed as men, to guard his harem (trust no man!). These women are generations apart, being dressed as boys in a country where being female is a consequence.
This book is a wonderful story of tenacity, friendship, and survival set against a backdrop of harsh realities. Give it a read, you will not be disappointed.
Nadia Hashimi's first YA novel is a coming-of-age story with a twist. Set in modern-day Afghanistan, we meet Obayda, the youngest girl of four sisters, who becomes a bacha posh (a preteen girl dressed as a boy) to bring her family luck.
Obayda, now Obayd, must live as though she were a boy however, is struggling as he straddles both worlds until he meets another bacha posh, Rahim. Together they try to find a way to make their transformations stick so that they can enjoy their newfound freedoms.
Hashimi explores the bacha posh in The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, and crosses over the character of Rahima/Rahim. She was interested in this part of Afghanistan's past after reading an article about how a king would use women, dressed as men, to guard his harem (trust no man!). These women are generations apart, being dressed as boys in a country where being female is a consequence.
This book is a wonderful story of tenacity, friendship, and survival set against a backdrop of harsh realities. Give it a read, you will not be disappointed.
September 16, 2018
This was a pretty good book and the author made the main character very intricate and intriguing. Good book!
November 6, 2022
A fairly straightforward story about an Afghani girl who becomes a boy to help her family and discovers joy in the freedom her new role offers. Deals with gender in a very gentle way.
February 9, 2021
I don't really know that much about Afghanistan or what living there is like, but reading this book has helped me to understand that in a fun and easy to grasp way. And from the very beginning it's clear that things there are different: the dirt floor in the everything room, the electric doesn't work most days, eating on the floor, boys and girls are in different classrooms at school...and the story starts off with a truck bomb. Her father loses a leg in the blink of an eye and they have to move to a small village. Water comes from wells and they use outhouses.
Overall I liked this book. The story was interesting and entertaining. But better yet I found myself caught up in the life of the main character, Obayda. I could relate to the emotions she was feeling throughout the story: fear, nervousness, embarrassment, uncertainty, self doubt, etc. These are all common emotions and while her actual situation was unique from my viewpoint...I could still relate to her very well.
In this story, Obayda finds herself as a boy. Her family needs a boy but they only have four daughters. Because she's the youngest, she's chosen and told she's suddenly a boy. This is a tradition in Afghanistan called bocha posh. I've never really been a girly-girl wearing dresses and stuff so in many ways I can relate to her through this too...sort of. I certainly was hooked on the plot and there's some moments of danger too. Plus Obayda has the problem of her depressed father...
Part of me wonders if this tradition actually confuses girls? I think the characters in here certainly seemed confused by it. And reading the book could lead to discussion about the subject.
The thing that actually confused me the most was a very minor thing that was mentioned in the first chapter, about covering the stove with a blanket and then sitting around it to keep warm. I don't understand how you can cover a stove with a blanket without the blanket catching on fire?? One should not put fabric on a hot surface? I think the author should have explained this better maybe? Because it just leaves me feeling very confused and wondering what kind of stove is this? And I've read the entire book but I'm still wondering about it and I'm sure I'm supposed to be wondering about the bacha posh instead! So yes, it's distracting.
I've liked this book enough that I have ordered another book by this author.
Overall I liked this book. The story was interesting and entertaining. But better yet I found myself caught up in the life of the main character, Obayda. I could relate to the emotions she was feeling throughout the story: fear, nervousness, embarrassment, uncertainty, self doubt, etc. These are all common emotions and while her actual situation was unique from my viewpoint...I could still relate to her very well.
In this story, Obayda finds herself as a boy. Her family needs a boy but they only have four daughters. Because she's the youngest, she's chosen and told she's suddenly a boy. This is a tradition in Afghanistan called bocha posh. I've never really been a girly-girl wearing dresses and stuff so in many ways I can relate to her through this too...sort of. I certainly was hooked on the plot and there's some moments of danger too. Plus Obayda has the problem of her depressed father...
Part of me wonders if this tradition actually confuses girls? I think the characters in here certainly seemed confused by it. And reading the book could lead to discussion about the subject.
The thing that actually confused me the most was a very minor thing that was mentioned in the first chapter, about covering the stove with a blanket and then sitting around it to keep warm. I don't understand how you can cover a stove with a blanket without the blanket catching on fire?? One should not put fabric on a hot surface? I think the author should have explained this better maybe? Because it just leaves me feeling very confused and wondering what kind of stove is this? And I've read the entire book but I'm still wondering about it and I'm sure I'm supposed to be wondering about the bacha posh instead! So yes, it's distracting.
I've liked this book enough that I have ordered another book by this author.
May 13, 2019
I would ABSOLUTELY give this book an 11/5 stars rating if I could! Nadia Hashimi is such a gifted writer, and I immediately got hooked onto this novel. Everything about it is fantastic and compelling! Highly recommend this book to anybody.
December 26, 2016
4.5 stars
I was expecting a heavy and "read between the lines" kind of a book, when I read Kabul in the blurb. But, in few pages I understood that it's a very light and relaxful read. How complex can be a child protagonist ??
When Obayda's father loses his leg in a disaster in Kabul market, the whole family moves back to her father's childhood village. There is a lot to adjust with for Obayda and her family. There are no other men in the family to earn money, as her father loses his job after the accident. New school, new lifestyle and on that one of their aunt suggests Obayda's mother about "bachcha posh" for good luck. Bachcha posh is a tradition where a girl in the family ( youngest one) is changed into a boy and is persuaded to act like one in the society. And here Obayda is the chosen one and she becomes Obayd. From here Obayd enters into the world of boys and adventures begin!
The plot was light and the family pictured here is not one of the orthodox ones but who believe in humanity and religion/ beliefs gong together. The more painful details were omitted or may be through Obayda's eyes, such details were invisible.
Good read, go for it if you want to be a 10 year old again!
October 27, 2018
“It is not the voice of a girl dressed as a boy. It is even stronger. Invincible.”
One Half from the East is a great YA read that I would highly recommend for readers who enjoys a coming-of-age, slice of life story. It’s a story about a young girl who had to pretend to be a boy in order to change the fortune of her family. This superficial transformation is based on a longstanding Afghan belief that a “bacha posh” (girl who dresses and acts like a boy at home and in public) can bring luck to her family. This story is an interesting exploration of how boys and girls are treated differently in traditional Afghanistan, it examines gender inequality through the eyes of a ten-year-old Obayda (Obayd as a boy) and what girls can achieve when they get the same rights and freedom as boys. I really felt for Obayda throughout the story, especially her struggles in pretending to be a boy and also coming to terms with what would happen when she returns to being a girl. I also enjoyed reading about her friendship with Rahim. The story is well-written and profoundly perceptive. I liked that the story also focused on friendship, personal growth and family. It’s a compelling and thoughtful read that can also be enjoyed by adult readers.
– NJ
One Half from the East is a great YA read that I would highly recommend for readers who enjoys a coming-of-age, slice of life story. It’s a story about a young girl who had to pretend to be a boy in order to change the fortune of her family. This superficial transformation is based on a longstanding Afghan belief that a “bacha posh” (girl who dresses and acts like a boy at home and in public) can bring luck to her family. This story is an interesting exploration of how boys and girls are treated differently in traditional Afghanistan, it examines gender inequality through the eyes of a ten-year-old Obayda (Obayd as a boy) and what girls can achieve when they get the same rights and freedom as boys. I really felt for Obayda throughout the story, especially her struggles in pretending to be a boy and also coming to terms with what would happen when she returns to being a girl. I also enjoyed reading about her friendship with Rahim. The story is well-written and profoundly perceptive. I liked that the story also focused on friendship, personal growth and family. It’s a compelling and thoughtful read that can also be enjoyed by adult readers.
– NJ
July 25, 2018
I would have rated more stars had they been available!! What a compelling story. I know so little about Middle Eastern culture, and this novel presented new information for me. I simply had to further investigate the practice of bacha posh. Who knew? Well, Afghanis do. I made thematic connections to Golden Boy, as far as how cultural practice can further define a people, and how differences are approached elsewhere. I strongly recommend this book for those interested in gender issues, the Middle East, and coming of age stories.
February 9, 2025
"مررت من تحت قوس قزح، أمي العزيزة. ألم تلاحظي؟ ألا ترين أن فيَّ شيئًا مختلفًا؟ كانت الصخور زلقة والمياه باردة، لكن قوس قزح كان هناك.. كدت ألمسه."
تروي نادية هاشمي قصة فتاة أفغانية تبحث عن ذاتها وسط قيود المجتمع والتقاليد حيث تواجه صراعات الهوية، الحب، والفقدان ،وتسعى لإيجاد طريقها الخاص نحو الحرية والسعادة ، للمرة الثانية تتحدث عن الباشبوش وما تفعله الأسرة لبناتها الصغار حين لا يكون لديهم أخ ولد ، تأثرت كثيرًا بعبيدة ورحيمة.
كذلك لم أكن أعلم أن الرواية لليافعين ومع ذلك لم يتغير رأيي بشأنها ، مازلت سعيدة لقرائتي لها.
تروي نادية هاشمي قصة فتاة أفغانية تبحث عن ذاتها وسط قيود المجتمع والتقاليد حيث تواجه صراعات الهوية، الحب، والفقدان ،وتسعى لإيجاد طريقها الخاص نحو الحرية والسعادة ، للمرة الثانية تتحدث عن الباشبوش وما تفعله الأسرة لبناتها الصغار حين لا يكون لديهم أخ ولد ، تأثرت كثيرًا بعبيدة ورحيمة.
كذلك لم أكن أعلم أن الرواية لليافعين ومع ذلك لم يتغير رأيي بشأنها ، مازلت سعيدة لقرائتي لها.
February 11, 2019
Nadia Hashimi never disappoints. Not the first book to write about 'Bacha posh' but it was an interesting perspective. It is sad to think that girls from certain lands get to enjoy freedom at the cost of pretending to change their gender even if it's only for a while. So much for gender equality.
'one half from the east
one half from the west
one half made of water and earth
one half made of heart and soul
one half staying at the shores and
one-half nesting in a pearl'
- Rumi
'one half from the east
one half from the west
one half made of water and earth
one half made of heart and soul
one half staying at the shores and
one-half nesting in a pearl'
- Rumi
October 30, 2017
15/20
La tradition des bacha posh racontée aux plus jeunes à travers le personnage d’Obayda qui, soudainement, va devoir devenir un garçon. Un livre passionnant sur l’Afghanistan, sa culture, et ses traditions.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
La tradition des bacha posh racontée aux plus jeunes à travers le personnage d’Obayda qui, soudainement, va devoir devenir un garçon. Un livre passionnant sur l’Afghanistan, sa culture, et ses traditions.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
March 26, 2018
Fascinating story about a topic I really had no previous knowledge of (the bacha posh tradition in Afghanistan), and an interesting commentary on gender roles in cultures around the world. Heartbreaking and powerful.
May 12, 2024
This was my first introduction to the concept of a bacha posh, a girl who is temporarily transformed (through clothes and appearance) into a boy due to her family's need for a son. The belief is that the bacha posh will bring "male" energy and hopefully the next child conceived will be a son. It is so interesting learning how the construct of gender is observed and practiced in different cultures. In the case of 10 year old Obayda, this story's protagonist and a bacha posh, her "boy" clothing and haircut suddenly give her all sorts of new freedoms. She can climb trees, play physically demanding games at school, stay out late with her friends after school, have no chores or responsibilities at home, and get the biggest pieces of meat for dinner. She meets another bacha posh who adamantly wants to stay a boy forever and they go on adventures together until her friend no longer comes to school.
The lack of individual choice in becoming a bacha posh is interesting. It is a family decision, as is the decision to return to being a girl, and the child is expected to just adjust easily between the roles of girl to boy to girl again in a society where these roles are extraordinarily different in their limitations and freedoms.
The lack of individual choice in becoming a bacha posh is interesting. It is a family decision, as is the decision to return to being a girl, and the child is expected to just adjust easily between the roles of girl to boy to girl again in a society where these roles are extraordinarily different in their limitations and freedoms.
April 21, 2022
I was SO ready to give this book at least four stars. The writing is simple but totally effective. I was immersed in Obeyda's story, feeling what she felt. The friendship between Rahim and Obeyd was beautiful and heartbreaking; every simple detail rendered to perfection. The narrator's casual internalized misogyny is gently challenged. And as someone who grew up as a girl in a very different culture, doing my own crossing-of-gender-lines despite social disapproval, it was easy for me to care deeply about every single bit of this story. I couldn't help but wonder how I would have felt if I'd truly been allowed to "become" a boy like Obeyd, and what a nightmare I would have emerged into if I were then forced to change back.
I say that not to compare our experiences (mine were a hundred times gentler) but precisely BECAUSE our experiences can't be compared. I grew up in a culture where women could vote, choose marriage partners, and publish novels. I went to school with boys, played sports with boys, rode my bike with boys, and yet the trauma of such changes, against my will, would have been horrific. So why did the ending of this book feel so . . . simple?
Why was Obeyd/Obeyda happy near the end? Why were they coming to terms with the situation? Why was this presented as hopeful rather than a trauma/shock response? The first 70% of the book was incredible. And the ending wasn't bad or unrealistic, exactly, it just . . . lacked the emotional nuance that such a complicated situation deserved.
I say that not to compare our experiences (mine were a hundred times gentler) but precisely BECAUSE our experiences can't be compared. I grew up in a culture where women could vote, choose marriage partners, and publish novels. I went to school with boys, played sports with boys, rode my bike with boys, and yet the trauma of such changes, against my will, would have been horrific. So why did the ending of this book feel so . . . simple?
Why was Obeyd/Obeyda happy near the end? Why were they coming to terms with the situation? Why was this presented as hopeful rather than a trauma/shock response? The first 70% of the book was incredible. And the ending wasn't bad or unrealistic, exactly, it just . . . lacked the emotional nuance that such a complicated situation deserved.
October 29, 2019
The book I read is called, “One Half From The East”. This book is written by Nadia Hamishi. The genre of the book is realistic fiction. I know this because the book sounds like it could really happen. The protagonist of the book is a 10 year old girl named Obdaya. She lives in a village in modern day Afghanistan with her three older sisters, mom, and dad. The plot of the story is Obdaya becoming a bacha posh, a girl that becomes a boy, to bring luck to her family and the struggles she faces along the way. In Afghanistan culture, it is believed that if a girl becomes a boy temporarily or forever her family will then give birth to a son. The theme of the story is inequality since boys and girls are treated differently in Afghanistan and boys have more freedom and rights.
The internal conflict of this book is man vs. self. One example can be found on page 382. On this page it states, “it takes a few days, but I settle into my life as a girl again. Things are different at home. I’m not the special son of the house anymore.” This describes what Obdaya was thinking in her head while transforming back into a girl. The external conflict of this book is man vs. society. One example of this conflict can be found on page 39 where it states, “a boy can work and earn money. A boy is good luck. A boy brings other boys into the family. Girls can’t do any of those things.” This shows that the external conflict of the book is man vs. society because most of Afghanistan believe that girls are weak and helpless.
I liked this book because it talked about modern day Afghanistan and what it is like to be a girl there. It showed how strong and brave Obdaya was when she became a bacha posh even though she regretted it in the beginning. Reading this book made me feel lucky not to be in Obdaya’s place. I think this because in the U.S. girls and boys are treated the same, but that is not the case in Afghanistan. There is nothing I did not like about this book. I recommend this book specifically for girls ages 10-12 who are interested in reading about the challenges girls face in different countries. I think this because the book goes into great detail about how Obdaya finds out how strong she really is after becoming a bacha posh. The book also talks about how she was treated better as a boy than a girl.
April 24, 2024
#سفريات2024
#نصفي_من_الشرق
"الباشابوش...ومحاولات النجاة"
من جديد مع الأدب الأفغاني، حكاية جديدة من حكايات المجتمع المنغلق بشدة على ذاته، حكاية "عبيدة أو عبيد" للكاتبة "نادية هاشمي"
تبدأ الرواية بداية بسيطة جداً على لسان "عبيدة" صغرى أخواتها، التي تعيش حياة بسيطة وهادئة في كابول مع أب يعمل شرطياً وأم وثلاث بنات هي صغراهن، في لحظة قدرية تتغير الحياة بعد فقدان الأب لقدمه في إنفجار بإحدى الشوراع وكانت ترافقه "عبيدة"، هنا كان القرار بالإنتقال إلى قرية الأب للعيش تحت رعاية العم الأكبر
نرى بعيون "عبيدة" الإختلاف الكبير بين كابول وقرية الأب، محاولات التعايش من الجميع عدا الأب الذي يستسلم تماماً لإكتئاب شديد وعزلة تامة، مع تدخل زوجة العم التي تقنع الأم بتحويل عبيدة إلى باشابوش أملاً في تغيير حياة الأسرة، إعتقاداً من الجميع بأن وجود صبي في البيت يجلب الحظ السعيد ومعه مولود جديد، قد كان
بين ليلة وضحاها تتحول عبيدة إلى عبيد، نرى بعيونها الإضطراب والحيرة في أول خطواتها خارح البيت وإلى المدرسة ك صبي له حقوق جديدة وكثيرة للغاية، نظرات المحيطين خاصةً الذين أحسوا بأنوثته رغم كل الملابس، محاولات التعايش مع الوضع الجديد، المفاجأة في وجود باشابوش آخر هو "رحيم او رحيمة بطل رواية اللؤلؤة التي كسرت محارتها"
كان لصداقة عبيد و رحيم أثراً كبيراً على الجميع، حتى حان وقت عودة عبيد لكونه فتاة بما له من إضطراب جديد، فكيف تكون النهاية؟؟
تميزت الرواية بأسلوب بسيط للغاية، ربما لأن الراوي هنا هو الطفل عبيد، كما أن نهايتها سعيدة"ياللعجب" بعكس الروايات السابقة
جاء الوصف بديعاً بمشاهد لا تنسى بالنسبة لي، الترجمة أكثر من رائعة من المبدعة"إيمان حرز الله"
عيب الرواية كان في بعض الأخطاء الإملائية والتنسيق خاصة وجود مسافات غير مفهومة بالنسبة لي، أتمنى تداركها في الطبعات اللاحقة
في المجمل، الرواية جميلة، كانت خير رفيق في العيد
#قراءات_حرة
#كتب_العيد
#قراءات_ابريل
#الكتاب_رقم17
17/1
#نصفي_من_الشرق
"الباشابوش...ومحاولات النجاة"
من جديد مع الأدب الأفغاني، حكاية جديدة من حكايات المجتمع المنغلق بشدة على ذاته، حكاية "عبيدة أو عبيد" للكاتبة "نادية هاشمي"
تبدأ الرواية بداية بسيطة جداً على لسان "عبيدة" صغرى أخواتها، التي تعيش حياة بسيطة وهادئة في كابول مع أب يعمل شرطياً وأم وثلاث بنات هي صغراهن، في لحظة قدرية تتغير الحياة بعد فقدان الأب لقدمه في إنفجار بإحدى الشوراع وكانت ترافقه "عبيدة"، هنا كان القرار بالإنتقال إلى قرية الأب للعيش تحت رعاية العم الأكبر
نرى بعيون "عبيدة" الإختلاف الكبير بين كابول وقرية الأب، محاولات التعايش من الجميع عدا الأب الذي يستسلم تماماً لإكتئاب شديد وعزلة تامة، مع تدخل زوجة العم التي تقنع الأم بتحويل عبيدة إلى باشابوش أملاً في تغيير حياة الأسرة، إعتقاداً من الجميع بأن وجود صبي في البيت يجلب الحظ السعيد ومعه مولود جديد، قد كان
بين ليلة وضحاها تتحول عبيدة إلى عبيد، نرى بعيونها الإضطراب والحيرة في أول خطواتها خارح البيت وإلى المدرسة ك صبي له حقوق جديدة وكثيرة للغاية، نظرات المحيطين خاصةً الذين أحسوا بأنوثته رغم كل الملابس، محاولات التعايش مع الوضع الجديد، المفاجأة في وجود باشابوش آخر هو "رحيم او رحيمة بطل رواية اللؤلؤة التي كسرت محارتها"
كان لصداقة عبيد و رحيم أثراً كبيراً على الجميع، حتى حان وقت عودة عبيد لكونه فتاة بما له من إضطراب جديد، فكيف تكون النهاية؟؟
تميزت الرواية بأسلوب بسيط للغاية، ربما لأن الراوي هنا هو الطفل عبيد، كما أن نهايتها سعيدة"ياللعجب" بعكس الروايات السابقة
جاء الوصف بديعاً بمشاهد لا تنسى بالنسبة لي، الترجمة أكثر من رائعة من المبدعة"إيمان حرز الله"
عيب الرواية كان في بعض الأخطاء الإملائية والتنسيق خاصة وجود مسافات غير مفهومة بالنسبة لي، أتمنى تداركها في الطبعات اللاحقة
في المجمل، الرواية جميلة، كانت خير رفيق في العيد
#قراءات_حرة
#كتب_العيد
#قراءات_ابريل
#الكتاب_رقم17
17/1
March 21, 2017
At first, I felt that this book would be excellent. An Afghani-American writer, a feminist middle-grade novel exploring family relationships and gender roles, an #ownvoices perspective on bacha posh. And if this book was just the story of Obayda, it would be that excellent book that I wanted. She grows into her own person, confident in who she is, believing in herself, and having a positive influence on her family, friends, and community without destroying cultural traditions. She has a great narrative arc with her father, and the trip to the mountains by herself fits perfectly into the hero's journey while simultaneously upending it, as she has already gone through the transformation but just doesn't know it yet.
However, the characterization of Rahima RUINS this book. I understand that this children's novel was a follow-up to the adult novel telling Rahima's story. I believe, not having read the other book, that Rahima herself has an uplifting narrative, full of strong women.
In this book, Rahima is both a victim and a "manic pixie dream girl." Her function within Obayda's story is to guide and teach Obayda, enough that when Rahima is married away and literally disappears, Obayda learns to come into her own and gain independence and strength. I recognize that folk tales often have this kind of supporting character, a guide who has no deeper story.
However, in the middle of a middle-grade novel, Rahima is (at thirteen) sold by her abusive father into a forced child marriage to a local warlord (implied to be part of the Taliban). Obayda goes to see her and finds her thin, weak, submissive, scared, and powerless. The adult reader understands that Rahima is likely experiencing rape as part of her marriage, and likely beatings and threats. The child reader would likely be full of questions for the narrative, which are not answered. Obayda literally leaves Rahima to her fate, congratulates herself on getting past the guards unscathed, and then spends some moments of the rest of the novel wistfully thinking of her friend.
In short, a character is discarded, left for as good as dead or worse, with no follow-up, after readers have been led to care for them, so that the main character can feel independent. This narrative technique is appalling and especially despicable from a writer trying so obviously to tell a "feminist" story.
Because of this, I cannot recommend this book personally to young readers as a stand-alone novel, and do not recommend adding it to a children's collection (say, in a school or other library without an adult fiction section for its prequel). However, due to the success of the adult book, some adults will request this book, and will expect it to be in the library collection.
However, the characterization of Rahima RUINS this book. I understand that this children's novel was a follow-up to the adult novel telling Rahima's story. I believe, not having read the other book, that Rahima herself has an uplifting narrative, full of strong women.
In this book, Rahima is both a victim and a "manic pixie dream girl." Her function within Obayda's story is to guide and teach Obayda, enough that when Rahima is married away and literally disappears, Obayda learns to come into her own and gain independence and strength. I recognize that folk tales often have this kind of supporting character, a guide who has no deeper story.
However, in the middle of a middle-grade novel, Rahima is (at thirteen) sold by her abusive father into a forced child marriage to a local warlord (implied to be part of the Taliban). Obayda goes to see her and finds her thin, weak, submissive, scared, and powerless. The adult reader understands that Rahima is likely experiencing rape as part of her marriage, and likely beatings and threats. The child reader would likely be full of questions for the narrative, which are not answered. Obayda literally leaves Rahima to her fate, congratulates herself on getting past the guards unscathed, and then spends some moments of the rest of the novel wistfully thinking of her friend.
In short, a character is discarded, left for as good as dead or worse, with no follow-up, after readers have been led to care for them, so that the main character can feel independent. This narrative technique is appalling and especially despicable from a writer trying so obviously to tell a "feminist" story.
Because of this, I cannot recommend this book personally to young readers as a stand-alone novel, and do not recommend adding it to a children's collection (say, in a school or other library without an adult fiction section for its prequel). However, due to the success of the adult book, some adults will request this book, and will expect it to be in the library collection.
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed One Half from the East. It’s a touching and eye-opening story about identity, family, and being true to yourself. Obayda's journey as a bacha posh was emotional and powerful. A beautifully written book that I won’t forget!
September 15, 2016
Somewhere amidst all the historical romance I’ve been reading, I picked up One Half from the East, a middle grade about a girl in Afghanistan. It was a bit of a tone change. :-p
My expectations were low for this one tbh because I’m really not into middle grade most of the time and I’d also heard nothing about it. I made an exception to my “no middle grade from ALA” rule for it, though, because the heroine, Obayda, genderbends. Apparently there’s a tradition in Afghanistan of dressing up a young girl as a boy if you have no sons, and it’s supposed to help bring a son and protect the family. Obayda, youngest daughter, is made into a bacha posh to help her father recover from having lost one of his legs.
One Half from the East has a beautiful simplicity to the writing, the subject is fascinating, and I loved the look into life in Afghanistan. Hashimi highlights both the beauty and the pain of the culture in this brief novel, and it’s great having a window into a culture with which I’m not familiar; I think that will be especially good for kids who only know about Afghanistan because of the war.
There’s also a lot of really interesting gender identity stuff in here. It doesn’t come to any sort of point or moral, but it will definitely make you think.
My expectations were low for this one tbh because I’m really not into middle grade most of the time and I’d also heard nothing about it. I made an exception to my “no middle grade from ALA” rule for it, though, because the heroine, Obayda, genderbends. Apparently there’s a tradition in Afghanistan of dressing up a young girl as a boy if you have no sons, and it’s supposed to help bring a son and protect the family. Obayda, youngest daughter, is made into a bacha posh to help her father recover from having lost one of his legs.
One Half from the East has a beautiful simplicity to the writing, the subject is fascinating, and I loved the look into life in Afghanistan. Hashimi highlights both the beauty and the pain of the culture in this brief novel, and it’s great having a window into a culture with which I’m not familiar; I think that will be especially good for kids who only know about Afghanistan because of the war.
There’s also a lot of really interesting gender identity stuff in here. It doesn’t come to any sort of point or moral, but it will definitely make you think.
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