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Secrets of the Kashmir Valley
Winner of the 21st Century Leader Award and the Humanitarian Award
American scholar Farhana Qazi tells you a story that is unforgettable. In this new, special edition, Qazi takes you inside the world's most militarized zone to meet the women--peaceful protestors, political activists, and the prime victims of a brutal war. Discover Kashmir, a place of great beauty and immense tragedy. This book is not about the politics of war, but the people living inside it. Qazi shares the true, emotional, personal stories of women, who struggle, sacrifice, and survive against all odds. And to survive, women (and men) hold onto secrets or they die.
Kashmir is an active conflict. It is unsettling and unpredictable. Every day, someone dies. Someone is detained. Or someone disappears. The valley of death is also described as ‘Paradise on Earth.’ But in this land of magic and myth, there are madmen and militaries that trample on Kashmir’s beauty. After seven decades of war, Kashmiris go on living. They go to school. They fall in love. They get married. Many have children. They do what seems normal, despite the protests, politics, and paranoia of living in a place that is not free. Qazi uses powerful storytelling to reveal the secrets of conflict. This book is a heart-breaking reminder that military occupation must end to allow the Kashmiri people to be free.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
"A brilliant read. This book reveals why human security is a global issue." — U.S. AMBASSADOR PRUDENCE BUSHNELL
"Qazi brings the colors, smells, people and politics of Kashmir to life. The only thing more enlightening would be to travel there yourself." — PORTER FOX, EDITOR OF THE AWARD-WINNING NOWHERE MAGAZINE
"Farhana Qazi, a Texan of Pakistani descent, has written a shimmering book about her encounters with the women of Kashmir, starting with her own mother, who joined the Pakistani Army to fight for Kashmir. Qazi travelled to this land of haunting beauty to interview activists and advisors, protestors and politicians, mothers and martyrs, educators and entertainers, and more. The result is a moving journey through what has been called "the most beautiful prison in the world." — DEBORAH SCROGGINS, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST
“An American woman sets out on a journey to understand one of Asia’s longest running wars and the role of women within it. Farhana’s bravery, open-mindedness, intelligence and tenacity take her into danger, real lives, raw emotions and ultimately discovery. This is a book that must be read by those who wish to deeply understand the motivations, lives and thoughts behind women in Kashmir." --ROBERT YOUNG PELTON, AUTHOR AND DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER
“Farhana Qazi's brilliant book combines her unique personal experience with her deep knowledge of the region, its people and its culture to tell us a story far more informative about today's events than any intelligence brief. And it is beautifully written--a joy to read.” --BRIAN MICHAEL JENKINS, COUNTER-TERRORISM EXPERT
“Secrets of the Valley is an important book that unveils the quintessential role of women in one of the most contested areas of the world. It is a deeply touching and personal story that pulls us closer to the women and men in Kashmir.”
--SETH G. JONES, DIRECTOR, TRANSNATIONAL THREATS PROJECT, THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
gives us an extraordinarily different perspective with a focus on women. For anyone who wishes to understand this land of poets and mystics, this is essential reading.” --AKBAR AHMED, AUTHOR, PLAYWRIGHT & FORMER DIPLOMAT
“Qazi gives us insights into rarely visible Kashmir. Her powerful narrative and sensitive, brilliant storytelling, reveal her personal background and in-depth research experiences in Kashmir. A highly skilled writer, Qazi also provides a heart-and-soul connection for the reader that has been featured in organized panels at the United Nations.” --LOIS A. HERMAN, UNITED NATIONS
American scholar Farhana Qazi tells you a story that is unforgettable. In this new, special edition, Qazi takes you inside the world's most militarized zone to meet the women--peaceful protestors, political activists, and the prime victims of a brutal war. Discover Kashmir, a place of great beauty and immense tragedy. This book is not about the politics of war, but the people living inside it. Qazi shares the true, emotional, personal stories of women, who struggle, sacrifice, and survive against all odds. And to survive, women (and men) hold onto secrets or they die.
Kashmir is an active conflict. It is unsettling and unpredictable. Every day, someone dies. Someone is detained. Or someone disappears. The valley of death is also described as ‘Paradise on Earth.’ But in this land of magic and myth, there are madmen and militaries that trample on Kashmir’s beauty. After seven decades of war, Kashmiris go on living. They go to school. They fall in love. They get married. Many have children. They do what seems normal, despite the protests, politics, and paranoia of living in a place that is not free. Qazi uses powerful storytelling to reveal the secrets of conflict. This book is a heart-breaking reminder that military occupation must end to allow the Kashmiri people to be free.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
"A brilliant read. This book reveals why human security is a global issue." — U.S. AMBASSADOR PRUDENCE BUSHNELL
"Qazi brings the colors, smells, people and politics of Kashmir to life. The only thing more enlightening would be to travel there yourself." — PORTER FOX, EDITOR OF THE AWARD-WINNING NOWHERE MAGAZINE
"Farhana Qazi, a Texan of Pakistani descent, has written a shimmering book about her encounters with the women of Kashmir, starting with her own mother, who joined the Pakistani Army to fight for Kashmir. Qazi travelled to this land of haunting beauty to interview activists and advisors, protestors and politicians, mothers and martyrs, educators and entertainers, and more. The result is a moving journey through what has been called "the most beautiful prison in the world." — DEBORAH SCROGGINS, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST
“An American woman sets out on a journey to understand one of Asia’s longest running wars and the role of women within it. Farhana’s bravery, open-mindedness, intelligence and tenacity take her into danger, real lives, raw emotions and ultimately discovery. This is a book that must be read by those who wish to deeply understand the motivations, lives and thoughts behind women in Kashmir." --ROBERT YOUNG PELTON, AUTHOR AND DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER
“Farhana Qazi's brilliant book combines her unique personal experience with her deep knowledge of the region, its people and its culture to tell us a story far more informative about today's events than any intelligence brief. And it is beautifully written--a joy to read.” --BRIAN MICHAEL JENKINS, COUNTER-TERRORISM EXPERT
“Secrets of the Valley is an important book that unveils the quintessential role of women in one of the most contested areas of the world. It is a deeply touching and personal story that pulls us closer to the women and men in Kashmir.”
--SETH G. JONES, DIRECTOR, TRANSNATIONAL THREATS PROJECT, THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
gives us an extraordinarily different perspective with a focus on women. For anyone who wishes to understand this land of poets and mystics, this is essential reading.” --AKBAR AHMED, AUTHOR, PLAYWRIGHT & FORMER DIPLOMAT
“Qazi gives us insights into rarely visible Kashmir. Her powerful narrative and sensitive, brilliant storytelling, reveal her personal background and in-depth research experiences in Kashmir. A highly skilled writer, Qazi also provides a heart-and-soul connection for the reader that has been featured in organized panels at the United Nations.” --LOIS A. HERMAN, UNITED NATIONS
- GenresNonfiction
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2020
11 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 1, 2020
Ha...you know me....lol -- finish a book -go hike!!!
I will write a review soon --maybe today?/!
I learned a lot! - and easy flowing reading!!!
UPDATE...
“Secrets of Kashmir Valley”, and “Untold Truths of The Kashmir”....
are two separate books...( 314 pages ‘combined’). Reading them together...back to back...flowed nicely.
In this review ....I’ll concentrate on things I got from “Secrets of Kashmir Valley”. Both books were eye-opening... gripping with atrocities, stories, knowledge of the Muslim world...women in Kashmir ....
victims of inhumanity- but also women of strength - beauty - and courage.
I enjoyed this book slightly more than “Untold Truths”....simply because it included more personal history of Farhana Qazi, ( herself), her mother - and grandmother. I was really touched, by her growing development years. Now a superb inspiring woman. Farhana’s tenacity and devotion is ruthless. She has entered dangerous situations in a divided region of the world. The women of Kashmir struggle - but also fight for freedom.
Qazi combines her own personal experiences, her knowledge of the region, the culture, the roles of women, stories of genocide and persecution, The psychology of women in conflict, and.....her own personal story about her mother and grandmother, survivors, who fought for their rights and their own self-determination.
Farhana Qazi is an American scholar, an award-winning author, an instructor, researcher, and storyteller on conflicts and studies that directly impact the lives of women. She’s a professor at George Washington University and offers training to the US military and global affairs.
She’s a recipient of the 21st Century Leader Award.... for exceptional training to the United States military and understanding Islam. Global conflicts. And women in war and violent extremism.
Farahana I was born in Pakistan, but raised in Texas. She travel to Indian-held Kashmir many times.
Things I got from reading this: [an oral history of men and women]
....Fascinating background about Farhana, and her growing years.
....Kashmir is a tiny valley; a religious place. Over 60% are Muslims...with many other religious groups.
....a better understanding of the lives, motivations and thoughts behind women in Kashmir.
....Kashmir is an active conflict. It is unsettling and unpredictable.
“Every Day, someone dies. Someone is detained. Or someone disappears. The valley of death is also described as ’Paradise on Earth’.
....”After six decades of war, Kashmiris go on living. They fall in love. They get married. They have children. They do what seems normal, despite the protest, politics, and paranoia of living in a place that is not free”. Women are persuasive speakers and political party leaders— even stay-at-home mothers take to the streets.
.... Women want to end conflict by being a voice in a non-violent movement for independence.
....This book reveals the multiple ways women experienced war and explore their visibility— the different ways they meet and mobilize.
.... I got a better understanding of how the Kashmir women have survived— fighting for gender rights, being falsely accused of terrorism, censorship, lockdowns, curfews, abuse, rapes, their women’s movement, and how they are changing their lives.
Wonderful - easy read - intimate storytelling-
But....with Covid-19, the threat of violence against women is escalating. ...with the lockdowns.....shut in with their abusers.
The region has seen decades have a conflict, militarization, and protests.
I’ve been to India, Afghanistan, Pakistan....but not to Kashmir. I learned a lot about the years of political strife— sacrifice —and the will to survive against the brutalities of war.
Qazi did a terrific job writing this book - assessable for readers who want ‘storytelling’ and a ‘personal experientially’ read....rather than a dry academic history book.
I will write a review soon --maybe today?/!
I learned a lot! - and easy flowing reading!!!
UPDATE...
“Secrets of Kashmir Valley”, and “Untold Truths of The Kashmir”....
are two separate books...( 314 pages ‘combined’). Reading them together...back to back...flowed nicely.
In this review ....I’ll concentrate on things I got from “Secrets of Kashmir Valley”. Both books were eye-opening... gripping with atrocities, stories, knowledge of the Muslim world...women in Kashmir ....
victims of inhumanity- but also women of strength - beauty - and courage.
I enjoyed this book slightly more than “Untold Truths”....simply because it included more personal history of Farhana Qazi, ( herself), her mother - and grandmother. I was really touched, by her growing development years. Now a superb inspiring woman. Farhana’s tenacity and devotion is ruthless. She has entered dangerous situations in a divided region of the world. The women of Kashmir struggle - but also fight for freedom.
Qazi combines her own personal experiences, her knowledge of the region, the culture, the roles of women, stories of genocide and persecution, The psychology of women in conflict, and.....her own personal story about her mother and grandmother, survivors, who fought for their rights and their own self-determination.
Farhana Qazi is an American scholar, an award-winning author, an instructor, researcher, and storyteller on conflicts and studies that directly impact the lives of women. She’s a professor at George Washington University and offers training to the US military and global affairs.
She’s a recipient of the 21st Century Leader Award.... for exceptional training to the United States military and understanding Islam. Global conflicts. And women in war and violent extremism.
Farahana I was born in Pakistan, but raised in Texas. She travel to Indian-held Kashmir many times.
Things I got from reading this: [an oral history of men and women]
....Fascinating background about Farhana, and her growing years.
....Kashmir is a tiny valley; a religious place. Over 60% are Muslims...with many other religious groups.
....a better understanding of the lives, motivations and thoughts behind women in Kashmir.
....Kashmir is an active conflict. It is unsettling and unpredictable.
“Every Day, someone dies. Someone is detained. Or someone disappears. The valley of death is also described as ’Paradise on Earth’.
....”After six decades of war, Kashmiris go on living. They fall in love. They get married. They have children. They do what seems normal, despite the protest, politics, and paranoia of living in a place that is not free”. Women are persuasive speakers and political party leaders— even stay-at-home mothers take to the streets.
.... Women want to end conflict by being a voice in a non-violent movement for independence.
....This book reveals the multiple ways women experienced war and explore their visibility— the different ways they meet and mobilize.
.... I got a better understanding of how the Kashmir women have survived— fighting for gender rights, being falsely accused of terrorism, censorship, lockdowns, curfews, abuse, rapes, their women’s movement, and how they are changing their lives.
Wonderful - easy read - intimate storytelling-
But....with Covid-19, the threat of violence against women is escalating. ...with the lockdowns.....shut in with their abusers.
The region has seen decades have a conflict, militarization, and protests.
I’ve been to India, Afghanistan, Pakistan....but not to Kashmir. I learned a lot about the years of political strife— sacrifice —and the will to survive against the brutalities of war.
Qazi did a terrific job writing this book - assessable for readers who want ‘storytelling’ and a ‘personal experientially’ read....rather than a dry academic history book.
July 3, 2023
“Secrets of the Kashmir Valley” by Farhana Qazi is an accurate exposition of the emotional, psychological, and physical rapport that keeps the populace of Kashmir together, even as they struggle to outlast an emphatic exterior hostile, the Hindu extremists.
The author starts by characterizing the reprehensible state of Kashmir, where extinction, disappearances, and variances sadly represent the state’s geography. She has encountered women who candidly shared their longing for an independent polity called Kashmir, with the expectancy that that will deliver to their households much-needed sovereignty and relief from constant and traumatizing incidents and clashes orchestrated by the Indian government. The author’s devotion to first-hand comprehension of the state’s true nature has led to myriad stays, where unfathomable particulars have been revealed, such as the imprisonment of citizens to dungeons infested with lizards, scorpions, and snakes, and electrocution of protesters who dare to call out the horrors publicly.
The inhabitants of Kashmir live in solitude, anxiety, and a deep fear of something worse happening to them anytime. These saddening daily occurrences have enormously altered their way of thinking, working, moving, and resting. Readers will find themselves appreciating the bravery exhibited by the women of Kashmir, as they relentlessly continue to stand against atrocities and human rights violations. The author’s interaction with them reveals why the conflicts are deeply gendered and why everything changes without notice with new policies by India being implemented to diminish the smallest of rights for the Kashmiris such as the use of phone and internet services.
By the end of the read, it will be certain to readers why everyone needs to involve themselves with the Kashmir affair, by contributing to the quest for its independence through social media writings, protesting, and speaking out. The book is well-researched and very engaging, and the author allows sharing it freely for the purpose of raising wide critical cognition of the state’s situation. The highlighted individual encounters by the locals are the author’s masterstroke that has the book’s authenticity confirmed, and her sentiments affirmed.
Overall, “Secrets of the Kashmir Valley” by Farhana Qazi is a breath-taking five-star publication whose persuasion is bound to be global, and whose factual essence will deeply convince readers of the need for urgent intervention by caring countries and activist groups. Following her book “Invisible Martyrs,” this is a text that once again confirms Qazi’s aptitude for knitting revolutionary and insightful books!
The author starts by characterizing the reprehensible state of Kashmir, where extinction, disappearances, and variances sadly represent the state’s geography. She has encountered women who candidly shared their longing for an independent polity called Kashmir, with the expectancy that that will deliver to their households much-needed sovereignty and relief from constant and traumatizing incidents and clashes orchestrated by the Indian government. The author’s devotion to first-hand comprehension of the state’s true nature has led to myriad stays, where unfathomable particulars have been revealed, such as the imprisonment of citizens to dungeons infested with lizards, scorpions, and snakes, and electrocution of protesters who dare to call out the horrors publicly.
The inhabitants of Kashmir live in solitude, anxiety, and a deep fear of something worse happening to them anytime. These saddening daily occurrences have enormously altered their way of thinking, working, moving, and resting. Readers will find themselves appreciating the bravery exhibited by the women of Kashmir, as they relentlessly continue to stand against atrocities and human rights violations. The author’s interaction with them reveals why the conflicts are deeply gendered and why everything changes without notice with new policies by India being implemented to diminish the smallest of rights for the Kashmiris such as the use of phone and internet services.
By the end of the read, it will be certain to readers why everyone needs to involve themselves with the Kashmir affair, by contributing to the quest for its independence through social media writings, protesting, and speaking out. The book is well-researched and very engaging, and the author allows sharing it freely for the purpose of raising wide critical cognition of the state’s situation. The highlighted individual encounters by the locals are the author’s masterstroke that has the book’s authenticity confirmed, and her sentiments affirmed.
Overall, “Secrets of the Kashmir Valley” by Farhana Qazi is a breath-taking five-star publication whose persuasion is bound to be global, and whose factual essence will deeply convince readers of the need for urgent intervention by caring countries and activist groups. Following her book “Invisible Martyrs,” this is a text that once again confirms Qazi’s aptitude for knitting revolutionary and insightful books!
March 20, 2023
Secrets of the Kashmir Valley is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the untold truths of the Kashmir Valley. Farhana Qazi does an excellent job of bringing to light the true stories of women in this region who have suffered immense pain, loss, and terror. The stories are not only filled with sadness but also with hope for a better future.
The author effectively conveys the reality of life in one of the most militarized zones in the world, where the Indian government has imposed strict control, making it difficult for the voices of the Kashmiris to be heard. Despite the constant fear of detention, curfew, and violent raids, the women of Kashmir continue to celebrate happy occasions, but always with the underlying fear of what might happen next.
This emotional book highlights the atrocities committed by the Indian army, including mass graves, restrictions on basic human rights, and the countless incidents of rape, even of women as young as 17 and as old as 80. The writing style is simple yet powerful, making the reader feel the pain and suffering of the women in the region.
Secrets of the Kasmir Valley is a moving and eye-opening account of the struggles faced by the people of Kashmir. These powerful stories bring awareness to this country and what the people endure. For those that want to learn more about this region and understand what it is like to live there as a woman, this informative and passionate look at life in the Kasmir Valley will shed light on the decades of suffering and the unstoppable desire for survival.
The author effectively conveys the reality of life in one of the most militarized zones in the world, where the Indian government has imposed strict control, making it difficult for the voices of the Kashmiris to be heard. Despite the constant fear of detention, curfew, and violent raids, the women of Kashmir continue to celebrate happy occasions, but always with the underlying fear of what might happen next.
This emotional book highlights the atrocities committed by the Indian army, including mass graves, restrictions on basic human rights, and the countless incidents of rape, even of women as young as 17 and as old as 80. The writing style is simple yet powerful, making the reader feel the pain and suffering of the women in the region.
Secrets of the Kasmir Valley is a moving and eye-opening account of the struggles faced by the people of Kashmir. These powerful stories bring awareness to this country and what the people endure. For those that want to learn more about this region and understand what it is like to live there as a woman, this informative and passionate look at life in the Kasmir Valley will shed light on the decades of suffering and the unstoppable desire for survival.
September 15, 2020
Eye-opening Book
NOTE: I received this book as a winner of a GoodReads giveaway. The following is my honest opinion of the book.
I wanted to read this book because I thought it would give me a good perspective of someone else’s life in a place with which I am unfamiliar. I feel that this book has done just that. The author of this book describes the warfare that Kashmiris have undergone for decades by the hands of the Indian government. Her research is well-documented. I also believe that she is telling the truth about what is going on because of things that I have heard India doing to the Christian community for almost a decade in their quest of making India an Hindu state. This book is reminding me of the importance to open my eyes to those who are suffering around the world and pray that God would hear their cries for justice, mercy, and peace. We must do what we can to ask India to embrace true democracy and grant religious freedoms to ALL of their citizens.
NOTE: I received this book as a winner of a GoodReads giveaway. The following is my honest opinion of the book.
I wanted to read this book because I thought it would give me a good perspective of someone else’s life in a place with which I am unfamiliar. I feel that this book has done just that. The author of this book describes the warfare that Kashmiris have undergone for decades by the hands of the Indian government. Her research is well-documented. I also believe that she is telling the truth about what is going on because of things that I have heard India doing to the Christian community for almost a decade in their quest of making India an Hindu state. This book is reminding me of the importance to open my eyes to those who are suffering around the world and pray that God would hear their cries for justice, mercy, and peace. We must do what we can to ask India to embrace true democracy and grant religious freedoms to ALL of their citizens.
September 21, 2020
I was immediately drawn into this book as it is a subject I admit to knowing little about. The author presents the information in a detailed but easy to follow way and shares a fascinating insight into the conflict in Kashmir and how it affects the lives of its inhabitants.
Particularly insightful is the dedication to detailing the lives of women. All too often, we are given a window into the lives of men in these circumstances and sometimes a skewed view of how women are treated. In this book, female empowerment is at the heart of the story and their strength shines through from beginning to end.
An absorbing read.
I received an advance copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
Particularly insightful is the dedication to detailing the lives of women. All too often, we are given a window into the lives of men in these circumstances and sometimes a skewed view of how women are treated. In this book, female empowerment is at the heart of the story and their strength shines through from beginning to end.
An absorbing read.
I received an advance copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2020
Farhana Qazi has a true talent for writing and centering human lives and experiences. In "Secrets of Kashmir Valley," she weaves in her personal story with other accounts of "the multiple ways women experience war...and the ways they meet and mobilize." Her subject matter expertise on the history/political landscape of Kashmir, personal connections to Kashmir, and focus on women offers a unique and important perspective that contributes to helping the wider public understand past as well as current events in Kashmir. Anyone interested in geopolitics of South Asia, gender studies, or conflict studies should read Farhana's incredible book - but this is also a book that would interest a wider and more general audience as well. I only wish I could rate this with more than 5 stars!
June 8, 2024
Farhana Qazi’s this book could serve one as an eye opener for a lots of population about the topic of neglected atrocities on kashmir, and it’s what it is. But the book never brings one to a point where he may feel exhausted as it has some anecdotes and stories which could leave one with good amount of emotional impact. Another thing I would like to talk being an Indian as we get to see another perspective rather than what the government and media has been trying to do. I would literally recommend it to any human who’s concerned about humanity. Great and must read.
September 8, 2020
A must read for anyone with a social conscience.
This book was received from a Goodreads giveaway.
The years of oppression of the Kashmiri people is unconscionable. The attrocities inflicted on these people, should not be condoned by the world, let alone the United Nations. Share this book and raise awareness of their decades long struggle.
Since this dealt with the India controlled side, I would like to see another book dealing with Kashmiri's experiences in the Pakistani controlled part of Kashmir.
This book was received from a Goodreads giveaway.
The years of oppression of the Kashmiri people is unconscionable. The attrocities inflicted on these people, should not be condoned by the world, let alone the United Nations. Share this book and raise awareness of their decades long struggle.
Since this dealt with the India controlled side, I would like to see another book dealing with Kashmiri's experiences in the Pakistani controlled part of Kashmir.
August 12, 2020
A stunning insight into a little known corner of the world. An engaging mix of historical fact and personal histories brings life to the subject and draws the reader in. Will definitely read other books by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Want to read
September 17, 2020I must be on a Indian winning streak from Goodreafs! Last book I won was about two women in India. After reading this book I was saddened that there are so many picked on and forced to change ways all over the world. Well written
May 31, 2023
Good Book
Presents the viewpoint of the militants and the activists demanding an independent Islamic State for Kashmir Valley. Recommended to people who are interested in political issues, and are familiar with the history of Kashmir.
Presents the viewpoint of the militants and the activists demanding an independent Islamic State for Kashmir Valley. Recommended to people who are interested in political issues, and are familiar with the history of Kashmir.
January 19, 2025
zero depth and does not connect kashmir to british and western imperialism.. author needs to read angela davis
October 13, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews