Three Prisons: An Afghan Mother’s Memoir of Survival

by Foroozan, Atossa Leoni (Narrator)

"To be on fire and shine light on your surroundings"—this is the meaning of Foroozan's name, and the essence of her extraordinary journey from persecution to liberation.

Trapped in a brutally violent marriage, Foroozan makes an unthinkable choice to protect her children. When her decision puts her behind the bars of an Afghan women’s prison, she is surprised to discover her first taste of freedom.

But freedom proves fragile. As American troops begin their withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Foroozan faces new her husband's vengeful family and the encroaching shadow of the Taliban. With everything at stake, she must navigate a maze of harrowing choices to survive and secure her children's future.

In this heart-pounding two-part memoir, a young Afghan mother shows us the true meaning of courage and resourcefulness in the face of violence, war, and political abandonment.

Genres: Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published August 6, 2026

Reviews

[Joy-Marie Karahkwiio 🍉 Canadian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very important story of survival! None of us are free until we are all free!

[Michael Huang · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Harrowing stories of life of an Afghan mother protecting her children and forced to kill her abusive husband. These were followed by a cliffhanger story of the escape to the west. If there’s no additional dramatization (you never know), then it’s really a hell of a memoir and should make most of us appreciate that our daily challenges are much less life-and-death.

[Christian Waffle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was quick but heavy and powerful. What a beautiful bittersweet look into the life of modern refugees. This is current and I think everyone should listen to this. It may help to understand the zoomed in look into what massive political decisions can do to someones life, and will help to be more empathetic. So thankful she is able to share who story.

[Regina L Combs · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story of endurance and survival. It is a biography of an Afghan woman who is physically and mentally abused by her husband of an arranged marriage. Her story occurs during the American occupation and then chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. She has survived the abuse of her husband and then goes to prison for his murder which was in self defense. Her son is also sent to prison for it as well. Her first real taste of freedom ironically is when she is sent to prison. After her release, which is hastened by the Covid epidemic, she and her 2 daughters try to rebuild their life though she is in constant fear of her husband’s family who want to kill her. Her son is released and is able to go to another country. Then America pulls out of Afghanistan and throws her whole world into chaos. A journalist who was writing her story is determined to help her escape. It is a harrowing experience full of risk and setbacks as she goes through several different channels in order to get out of Afghanistan before the taliban takes complete control. She only wants freedom and a chance for her daughters to be able to get an education. A very quick read and a powerful story

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened this audiobook one morning in September and I stopped the beginning of my day to complete it. She had my undivided attention; she had my emotions in a vice grip! Stellar narration and writing! Sending my love to all who have and are fighting for their freedom! Women, we are definitely a force to be reckoned with, especially regarding our children. God bless you Foroozan. I will never forget your story💛

[Marissa Anne Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Su h a sad story. But one of true endurance. Her life was tragic in more ways than one. She never gave up and kept going even in her weakness. I cried many times listening to this audio. It was just so heartbreaking, the things she went through.

[Brandi Brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense, heartbreaking but historically accurate. A peak into the awfulness of life as a woman under the Taliban

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/5 Stars. Must read for what the DSA wants to bring into the US.

[Julie-Pier Montreuil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful listen