The Dancer from Khiva: One Muslim Woman's Quest for Freedom

by Bibish, Andrew Bromfield (Translator)

An unflinchingly honest memoir, The Dancer from Khiva is a true story that offers remarkable insights into Central Asian culture through the harrowing experiences of a young girl.

In a narrative that flows like a late-night confession, Bibish recounts her story. Born to an impoverished family in a deeply religious village in Uzbekistan, Bibish was named “Hadjarbibi” in honor of her grandfather’s hadj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. But the holy name did not protect her from being gang-raped at the age of eight and left for dead in the desert. Bibish’s tenacity helped her survive, but in the coming years, that same tough-spiritedness caused her to be beaten, victimized, and ostracized from her family and community. Despite the seeming hopelessness of being a woman in such a cruelly patriarchal society, Bibish secretly cultivated her own dreams--of dancing, of raising a family, and of telling her story to the world.

The product of incredible resilience and spirit, The Dancer from Khiva is a harrowing, clear-eyed dispatch from a land where thousands of such stories have been silenced. It is a testament to Bibish’s fierce will and courage: the searing, fast-paced tale of a woman who risked everything.

Genres: Nonfiction, Asia, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Biography, Middle East

248 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2005

Reviews

[Elevate Difference · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dancer from Khiva is an autobiographic work. Born on the thirteenth of January, many of the major events of Bibish’s life took place on a thirteenth of one month or another, yet, while seeing herself as unlucky, Bibish does not allow her fate to be predestined. When Bibish was raped, it seems almost as if it was a catharsis: by seeing herself as spoiled goods, Bibish sheds her societal restrictors and allows herself to dance.

Bibish is constantly acting; even when her hope wanes she cannot stand still and refuses to retreat into the shadows. It is not an aggressive action, but she is unrepentant for acting on her own instincts. When defying her community’s traditions (which happens repeatedly throughout the book), she is not rebellious so much as strong willed. It is Bibish’s kinetic energy that engages one’s interest throughout The Dancer from Khiva. We imagine how many women’s energy could have remained purely potential.

Bibish tells a compelling story of her own life (now from the point of view of a mother softened by the passage of time and the impulse to protect), yet the writing comes across as childish (but not naïve). One of the hardest tasks to perform is to translate a text without losing the essential meaning of the work, and so one gives allowances for the way the narrative seems to drone on endlessly. At the same time, the endless narration conveys an inappropriate sense of detachment, making Bibish’s life sounds more like fiction than fact, and thus detracting from the potential impact of the form – making it an autobiography without pathos. Conversely, telling it almost as though it were someone else’s life, Bibish seems to acknowledge that it just as easily could not have been her own, making it seem evermore fantastic.

Review by Elisheva Zakheim

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book. It was written by the original author, Bibish as a kind of diary /record of her life not intended for publication initially. It was only many years later when a group of American's were staying with her when she lived in Russia that they offered to have it translated and published for her.

Bibish was born and raised in a very strict, religious, Muslim community and had a pretty awful life. As is often the case in Muslim communities, women were very much second class citizens and very restricted as to what they were allowed to do.

This poor child at the age of 8 was raped by a gang of men and then buried in the sand of the desert to die. An old shepherd man rescued her and fed her but once she was well he decided that she could be his and be used for his pleasure sexually. She managed to escape and get back to her family but her return was hardly greeted with great joy!!

Her life was full of challenges and disappointments but she was determined and managed to manipulate her way into a college and get a teacher's qualification but despite this, she struggled on. She managed to make her way to Russia but had no money so returned home.

The story is truly amazing that anyone could struggle on despite all the setbacks. She married a man whom she loved and they stayed together, had children but it was not n easy life by any means. Despite that, the book didn't read as a 'poor me' tale. The story was factual with great descriptions to give the reader a picture of the place and events.

I think the translator did a great job as the book was written in the language of Uzbekistan with Russian vocabulary as times when Bibish was describing her confusion with that language. Considering this was not written by someone who was an author it is well written and really tells a fascinating story.

[Calzean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the best written autobiography but it certainly unique. At the start of the book, Bibish is a Muslim girl from a small under developed village in Uzbekistan part of the USSR. Later she moves to the new Russia. So the book provides a window into life as a Muslim when the Russian Communists reign, life as a woman where there are strict ideas on behaviours and choices, and then life of a migrant in the new Russia. It's a tough ride for Bibish made even more tragic by two gang rapes. She is a survivor and battles through challenges not faced by people like me.

[Dina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand that she wrote this book without any professional experience and it was conversation-like narration but it was random and all over the place. The actual events that took place in her life were very tragic and sad but the book follows no consistent pattern and you think certain events mentioned will have some significance later on and they don't. There is really no emphasis at all about her dancing, it's kind of misleading.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Uzbek obsession continues into the new year. What a great book. To be honest, I’m not sure if it makes me want to visit Uzbekistan more or less, but sometimes there are just stories that add to one’s outlook on life, both for good and for bad. There really is a gap between generations, isn’t there? So many little things, little influences… the world changes so quickly.

It’s true that it is not the best book ever written, but it’s also not the worst. I believe the style is quite charming and adds to the author’s character. After all, there are easier things to write than one’s autobiography, and one must have in mind that the author didn’t really do that much writing over the course of her life while she was busy with everything going on.

It’s a good continuation of “A Carpet Ride to Khiva” by Christopher Aslan Alexander. That book mentions details about wedding traditions, cotton picking, circumcision, flirting among youngsters and some other things (from the point of view of a foreigner) that offer a wider understanding of some of the cultural nuances in this book, so I recommend reading that one first.

I also really enjoyed reading about her family history (I sure don’t know that much about my own family…). As always, I made a bit of a family tree, but it ended up looking quite strange because of the re-marrying and thousand children.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uzbekistan

"Sometimes I used to think it would have been better for me to die then, when I was five, so that I wouldn't suffer anymore."

"Sometimes I even wanted to die. Simply die and nothing else."

"Without joy it is impossible to live. Without joy you grow old straightaway." After all, some fine day we're all going to die. It's better to bring people joy than cause them terrible pain."

[Rachel Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot, even though it is a bit like reading a stream of consciousness. It gave a really interesting insight into a life that seems little changed from the soviet era and centuries old folk customs even though taking place in the 21st century. It is also a rare memoir from someone who lived with no privilege and no saviour of happy ending.

[Fathima Niloofar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true and chilling story written in a very simple manner. It reveals the life of a common person from Central Asia before and after the USSR disintegration.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really disliked this book. The writing style was poor and almost child-like, I hated the way she kept stopping to introduce her next story complete with story title like Aesop's Fables or something, and the story itself was disjointed and jumping around all over the place instead of being a cohesive memoir. She mentions thinks like her childhood rape then mostly glosses over the aftermath and the other things you want to read about, instead choosing to talk about mundane things that you don't really want to know.

I was expecting a brutal story of bullying, misery and the quest for freedom from a brutal regime-but it just didn't deliver what was promised. We didn't hear about the emotional recovery from two brutal gang rapes, the intense bullying from family and friends after she started dancing, the suffering she says her upbringing caused her...to be a good memoir you need to connect with your readers and let them share your fear, horror and pain, then take them on the journey as you overcome it all-but this author didn't reach out to us, just skipped what she didn't want to share so I felt no connection to Bibish or her story. A real let down I'm afraid.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is not much about the writing, but rather about Bibish sharing her story, which probably reflects that of many others where she comes from. Though it could come through as quite simplistic at first, yet the story gains ground, and culminates in the publishing of the book itself. In the end the reader can only wish the best to Bibish, and I understand she now lives a better life in St Petersburg.

[Sabrina Rutter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I like that she wrote it as though she were just talking to you and telling her story face to face. I'm still not sure why it says "one muslim woman's quest for freedom" in the description though. Maybe the publisher thought it would make for a good sale?
At some points in this book I wanted to cry, and then at some points I was laughing so hard I did cry. She is a very spirited woman, but I just wish that she would stand up for herself a little more. She doesn't dwell on the bad things. She tells it like it is and then moves on. I'm left with the impression that she plans to write a sequal and thats why the ending was a bit abrupt.

[Ivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

FIRST LINE REVIEW: "I will tell you my story to unburden my heart a little." I broke my 50 page rule with this because I wanted to add it to my journey through "books from every country in the world" and because it was fairly short. But good grief! This was one of the most poorly written books I've read. I don't put the blame on the author as much as the editor and publisher who believed this book was worth printing and did such a pathetic job of helping it along. I would be so embarrassed if I were them. Spare yourselves!

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt compelled to write a positive review for this book because I was really surprised at all the negative ones.

This memoir is written in a conversational tone, which I personally have no issue with and actually prefer for a memoir. Bibish occasionally comes across as incredibly naive, but I think that’s just because of the cards she’s been dealt. Seriously, this woman (even as a child) endures some truly awful stuff and while some people attempt to help her out, she’s mostly on her own. It felt like every time things were looking up for her, another horrible thing happened.

At the same time, this book has some funny moments, especially in regards to awkward translations and cultural differences. There are also moments that are framed as funny or not taken seriously that are jarring to read about in that tone, because to me they aren’t things that I would laugh about even looking back on them. It’s a mixed bag of what kind of outcomes her stories will eventually have because of the constant casual tone, but I felt that was more realistic given it’s more of a journal style memoir.

Overall, I enjoyed reading Bibish’s story and ended up liking her! It would be interesting to get an update, but as far as I know there hasn’t been one as she mostly remains anonymous. I hope she’s well.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dancer from Kiva had a very unique narrative style: childlike but with an adult perspective. It was very much like listening to someone just tell the story of their life while sitting in your living room - informal and familiar with side tracks and circling around and coming back all in one long narrative arc. Although plain in the sense of no outstanding accomplishments, Bibish's story is one of resilience, of coming up against some of the darkest things the world has to offer and still finding a way through. Some of the things she does to pursue her own way are breathtaking in their courage when the reality of the situation sinks in...I could not imagine traveling to a random city in the hopes of somebody I had met and gotten to know over the course of a few weeks being willing to welcome me in to stay - but that's exactly what she does! Bibish endures, no matter what the world throws at her, and refuses to give up on fighting for own life and livelihood.

#womenwritersoftheworld -> Central Asia selection (Uzbekistan)

[Kendra Kolomyja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style is very simple and conversational which I felt actually added a dimension to the writer’s voice. I’m sure there are bits that were lost in translation as well. It’s a relatively easy read that opens a window into a completely different world and way of thought. It’s an honest description of the life experiences of a woman from a completely different culture than I know and I found it fascinating for that.

I can see how it would be easy to criticize a book like this because it doesn’t fit the norms or standards that you might expect. But try to look at it for what it is- a clear and honest voice telling her life story and emphasizing the things she found important. I thought it was very telling the parts that were emphasized or glossed over. It actually helps fill in the story by revealing aspects of the world and the reality that the author inhabits that are glaringly different. Read it as an ethnographic account and it is incredibly revealing.

[Maud (reading the world challenge) · Rating 3 out of 5]

[#63 Uzbekistan] 3,5/5 What fascinated me the most about this book is the fact it takes place at a crossroad between two cultures that were very separate in my mind until now: Muslim Central Asia and USSR. The most interesting part to me was the author's emigration to Russia and her struggle to adapt to her new life. It's also true the writing style is simple but keep in mind that the original version wasn't written in her first language and this is a translation. The mere fact that this book exists profoundly touched me.

[Isabel Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing how someone can endure such hardship and continue to persist through life, even though the author had tried to commit sucide a few times in her life. This biography is a reminder that know matter how we perceive the hardship in our own lives there is always someone else whose hardship is even greater. There is a spiritual saying : 'God does not give you anything that you cannot handle' This l believe to be true.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why did I read this book?

It was from the library so it was free. Thankful I didn't spend money on the book. Secondly, I read it because I have a friend from Uzbekistan and some other friends who have lived there. I wanted to know more about the country.

I didn't learn much about Uzbekistan so that was disappointing. I felt the writing was disjointed with a story all over the place. At one point the way she was writing I thought her husband was dead but then later he is back.

[iman]

it’s difficult to rate a memoir that follows the trauma and struggles someone faced in their life. the writing is by no means the best i’ve ever read but it’s critical to remember that Bibish’s first language is not Russian and this is translated into English. the simplicity of the language prevents dramatisation which risks fictionalising the events in the memoir.
it’s an incredibly difficult book to read but an important one.

[Annebee88 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir is beautifully honest and raw, challenging the reader to submit to a world that shatters our expectations of cultural norms. The writer reveals her lifelong struggles and how she fought to make conditions better for her and her family. The English translation is choppy and could've used some editing. Still, the story is incredible and worth the time to discover what the author has to share about her life.

[Laura Hanna-White · Rating 3 out of 5]

As others have mentioned, this is not a well written book. It reads as a stream of consciousness, verbal delivery and doesn't seem to have much editing to help the narrative. The story of Bibish's life is an interesting, and tragic, one. I also think that while it's a shame the story isn't presented in a more cohesive way, the lack of structure still reads as though it's direct from the author herself and gives a degree of authenticity, if somewhat detached.

[Angeline Ng · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanted to read novels set in Uzbekistan in view of travelling to Uzbekistan for a holiday in November. Found a few but some were not compatible on my Kobo.

The book started strong but the story ended up being just a collection of how she and her family were constantly having to find a new place to live, and the title didn't befit the content. I was expecting a story of an Uzbek woman whose life was changed by dancing, however I was left sorely disappointment.

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title and subtitle don't have much to do with the focus of the book (her dancing is only a minor part of the story, and it feels less like a quest for freedom than a humble but tenacious struggle to navigate the challenges society throws at her). But it's a very interesting memoir of a difficult life in Soviet Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and post-Soviet Russia.

[Joelle Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this book was described wrong? There's really no mention of Islam, nor is dancing the central narrative.

It is translated much like the author would speak, as she navigates a world of languages and culture.
To our Western ears, far removed from communism, and even farther from Central Asia, it's a story that you have to swallow all judgment for, because it's an alien culture (so to speak).

The author writes a narrative of overwhelming resilience, and a mother's sacrifice, at whatever cost to herself. That is a story that will resonate through any culture or time period.

[Jean Nicholson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting but I managed to get lost a few times not being aware of the geography and culture of the different areas. It hopped around in its story too much for me to settle to a good read.

[Mary gillespie]

I hope Bibish and her family are healthy and well!! What a hard hard life to survive!!!! I can’t imagine!!!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a very original style, this book takes you through the voyage of one woman's quest for independence and freedom from tribal ties.
And easy and captivating read.

[Josh Maher]

Uzbekistan

[Jean Matthews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uzbekistan - Round the World Reading challenge. Interesting story, many hardships. Basic language.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Country: Uzbekistan