Book of Queens: The True Story of the Middle Eastern Horsewomen Who Fought the War on Terror

by Pardis Mahdavi

The untold story of generations of Middle Eastern freedom fighters—horsewomen who safeguarded an ancient breed of Caspian horse—and their efforts to defend their homelands from the Taliban and others seeking to destroy them. "A breathtaking book that revisits nearly one hundred years of Iranian history, highlighting the power and beauty of women who refuse to be subdued.” ―Alison Hawthorne Deming, author of A Woven World Book of Queens reaches back centuries to the Persian Empire and a woman disguised as a man, facing an invading army, protected only by light armor and the stallion she sat astride. Mahdavi draws a thread from past to from her fearless Iranian grandmother, who guided survivors of domestic violence to independent mountain colonies in Afghanistan where the women, led by a general named Mina, became their country’s first line of defense from marauding warlords. To the female warriors who helped train and breed the horses used by US Green Berets when they touched down in October 2001, with a mission but insufficient intelligence on the ground—women whose contributions were then forgotten.

Pardis Mahdavi chases the legacy of Caspian horses and the women whose lives are saved by them, drawing on decades of research, newly-discovered diaries, and exclusive military sources. Among those intersecting stories is that of American Louise Firouz, who helped bring the breed back from the brink of extinction, connecting Virginia traders to British royals to the son of the Shah. Firouz’s life is forever changed when she meets Mahdavi’s own family, who run an unusual smuggling operation in addition to raising horses in a wild bid for freedom.

Book of Queens is an epic tale of hidden women whose communal knowledge was instrumental in saving an animal as ancient as civilization, and who were the genesis of their own liberation.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Feminism, War, Middle East, Memoir, Historical

304 pages, Hardcover

First published August 22, 2023

Reviews

[BooksAmyRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words. This book left me truly speechless with a rollecaster of emotions. I cannot believe that it is comprised of true stories of real women doing legendary, mind blowing, things. It reads like the stuff of legends and I can only imagine how the author feels, to have the blood of some of those women running through her vains. I cannot wait for this book to be published, so the world can know the stories of Maryam, Mina, Louise and others. Thank you, Hachette, for the ARC!

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroic!

If you love horses and enjoy strong women with soul this is the book for you. An historical look at the Caspian horses of the Middle East, and the freedom fighters, the warrior women who bred, trained and ensured their survival.
Paradise Mahdavi explores her family history for the truth about these horses and the women who dealt with them. Her journey takes her across the Middle East, to the United States, and to England. We’re taken from Afghanistan to Virginia and back. From Mahdavi’s Iranian grandmother to the now. A big part of the story is the search for the studbook of the Caspian Horses. Important for the provenance and history of bloodline. Along the way we discover the women fighters who take on the Taliban, ISIS and warlords of the northern regions.
A tribute to the forgotten history of the women of Persia, of Iran, of Northen Turkey, and Afghanistan “in the cradle of Empires.”
“There is Persia and there is Iran. One is the soul, the other the heart. And you need both to truly live.”
(I did online searches and very little is mentioned about these stalwart women. Of course it’s “all about the men”. Grr! Hopefully this book goes towards setting the record straight!)

A Hachette Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change

[Jessica Settergren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my review.

I now need to buy a hard copy for my library, because this book was excellent.

Did you see that movie about American Green Berets in Afghanistan in 2001 who had to ride horses to meet with a Northern warlord to fight the Taliban, 12 Strong (2018, starring Chris Hemsworth)? Me too. Did you know they met a group of horseback warrior women before they met up with said warlord, a group of women who'd been riding an ancient line of Persian horses into battle in Afghanistan for decades? Me neither. Funny how history is so focused on the "his" and ignores the "hers", isn't it?

Pardis Mahdavi's The Book of Queens: The True Story of the Middle Eastern Horsewomen Who Fought the War on Terror is part memoir, part biography, and part tribute to the women in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and surrounding areas whose lives centered around horses. Mahdavi herself is the granddaughter of one of the multiple larger-than-life women celebrated in The Book of Queens.

Full review here: https://jessicasettergren.com/2023/06...

[Jolanta (knygupė) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

Tikra istorija apie Afganistano vakaruose ir Irano rytuose gyvenusių moterų pasipriešinimo judėjimą. Jos kovojo prieš vyrų smurtą, bėgo nuo jo, tuo pačiu išsaugodamos nuo išnykimo Kaspijos arklių rūšį.

[Laura Hoffman Brauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely riveting work. Paris Mahdavi goes back into her own family’s story to tell about their connection to the female horse warriors of the Persian Empire and Afghanistan in addition to telling the story of the Caspian horses - one of the oldest known breeds that was thought to have gone extinct. This exceptional work of narrative non fiction starts with dual timelines and storylines told based on diaries and journals. As the story moves towards the present, you see how the fierce female horse warriors fought the Taliban - and were the first to meet and train the American Special Forces units fighting in Afghanistan. I can’t recommend this highly enough - whether you like multigenerational stories, tales of fierce women, stories that change your perspective, books about the majesty of animals and our relationships with them — or really if you just like a compelling page turner where you are engrossed at every moment, this is a book you should read.

[Nima Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just WOW! As I read this book, I was in a constant state of "goosebumps." The fascinating story of these incredibly courageous women was astounding and inspiring. This a true reflection of the indescribable bravery of Iranian women that spills into modern times as they courageously fight for their freedom. This book is a must-read for every young woman.

[Barb reads......it ALL! · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a viseral read. As I devoured this book, my heart broke and rejoiced in equal measures, my breath caught and tears filled my eyes. I could smell the dirt and horses, feel their coats and woven reins.
Read this book.

Thanks, Laura, for another brilliant read!!

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book at the library a few days ago in the new non-fiction section. I'm glad I did! I knew nothing about the courageous horsewomen of Afghanistan who fought the Taliban. It's an extraordinary story that reads like a thriller about generations of women who at great peril protected their country from drug warlords and later the Taliban - all while ensuring their loyal and beloved Caspian horses escaped extinction. A riveting story about family, brutality, perseverance, and hope. I'm heading to Tattered Cover today to buy several copies for holiday gifts. Highly recommend!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mahdavi has unearthed a fascinating bit of family history. I only wished more time had been spent on the actual warrior horsewomen of the title rather than the book mainly concentrating on Maryam and Louise's horse breeding efforts...

[Kathy Giese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Awallens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was enthralling! From start to finish! A really good multi generational story, and these horses sound amazing! As are the women who ride them!

[Lissa00 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the women horse warriors of Afghanistan who fought off the Taliban in their region and the author’s personal connection to them. It is also about the Caspian horses and the women who risked everything to insure their continued existence. This is a fascinating true story full of strong women who constantly bucked against the constraints of the strict moral society. It is written in a manner that reads like fiction. So much so, that at times I questioned the dialogue that seemed to ratchet up the drama. That aside, I think this is an important story that needs to be told. I received a digital advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley

[Becky Rosas · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Books for this ARC. It was a fantastic book, combining two elements I am fond of : history and Horses. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it gave a great history of the Caspian Horse, a breed I was not familar with. I was also enthralled by the story of the women who rode these horses and how they had to live in a world that was not friendly to either horse or woman. It had times where one hurt right along with the women in the book being hurt and discriminated against by men who felt that they were nothing more than possessions. Good men did exist, but the pain inflicted by men steeped in their culture tended to prevail. The story of the Caspian horse was a great story that figured in the book and really was fascinating. I would recommend this book to all horse fans and people who are interested in the real life stories of women in the Middle East.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of horses and also fierce women, this is a fascinating account of warrior women of Iraq.
The author’s grandmother Mayam stars center stage in the narrative alongside Louise.
Read the book to discover how the their lives intersected and the author’s endless research to discover answers.
Was Mahdavi able to recover the original stud book?
Read and find out.
Thanks to Hatchett Books for the complimentary copy.

[Monique Abbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story soooooo much! I was shocked by its contents, as I had no idea there were women living in caves in Afghanistan pushing back the Taliban, and offering shelter to abused women not only from their country but from other countries as well. I also had no idea there was a breed of horses called "Caspians" and now I really REALLY want to meet them! I might be too tall to ride them, although Louise was taller than me, so maybe I could ride one? Honestly, bravo Pardis. This book was so rich in history but read almost like a fairy tale. My daughter, whose two Arabians are in Lebanon, is reading it too and every day we have been messaging each other, "Where are you now? Can you believe it? This story is amazing!!!" She rides liberty and often bareback, so a lot of the passages about Louise's directions for horseback riding are really resonating with her.

The immense courage of the women in this story, from Myriam, to Shokat, to Mina, to Louise, all the way through to YOU, Pardis, were so wonderful to read about. You come from an amazing marvelous family of warriors, and I thank you for sharing their story.

I recommend anyone interested in horses, women's issues, Middle Eastern history, or just a really well told story will love this book. And where in Southern California might I be able to visit a Caspian ;)?

[Laura Hatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably more of a 3.5 star but it was such a unique story & the nonfiction (more recent) portion was very interesting!! Pros: I loved learning about the history of the horses & fierce women warriors in Afghanistan. I loved the history of Iran woven in as well. It doesn’t surprise me that this history has not been told. The cons: the earlier chapters are more historical fiction and the writing is a little hard to connect with. Decisions come easy and it feels a little light. I know the author was trying to follow the story as accurately as possible but the made up scenes took away from the authenticity of the story which was truly fascinating!

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pardis Mahdavi’s background is not in writing and I think it shows in this book. (I also think she needed a better editor). BUT I think that takes a back seat to the information and story shared here. I found Maryam and Louise’s stories incredible as well as those of Mina and the horsewomen of the caves. These are not stories that you hear much about and they need to be shared. I typically enjoy narrative nonfiction and as others have said, this one might be a bit too narrated and closer to historical fiction in parts, but I think that made for both a quick and interesting read. This is definitely a subject matter that I would like to know more about and think that is one of the hallmarks of a good nonfiction book.

[Maggie Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alternating early chapters draws readers into a word where women are mere objects. Learning the upbringing and marriages (forced, trades, or sometimes in love) not only humanizes a culture I still know so little about but also allows me an opportunity to praise their monumental achievements and drive for change. I learned so much reading this book.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Easily, my first 5 star of the year. Beautiful, heart warming and gut wrenching at the same time. The way all these women's stories are intertwined, I didn't want it to end.
If you like history and culture, fierce women, and/or horses, a must read!

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is genuinely so cool, and I’m disappointed that this is the first I’ve ever heard about women’s resistance to the Taliban despite their strong efforts. It’s nonfiction but told almost as a fiction story, pulling you in and making for a very compelling read. Go read it, it deserves the five stars

[Avery McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book, so well written, informative but accessible and beautiful storytelling

[Judi Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong women

Five may be the tiniest bit generous, but when a book makes me want to read more, I'll not begrudge that extra half star.

[Hannah Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history told through story. Or a story told through history. Women of Iran and Afghanistan in centre stage. Historically informative and brilliantly compelling.

[Emily B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this one!!! A story I’d never heard, so engaging and interesting. Highly recommend and recommend also the audiobook!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has everything. It's a truly Iranian story. I learned a lot, and I'm grateful to the author for sharing about her family's legacy.

[Anissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly a really good book if you enjoy a strong heroic woman, and horses this is the book for you!

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

After finishing this book, I’m left wondering what in the book is true, what’s embellished, and what’s made up. At this point, I am so confused / uncertain of any historical accuracy that I’m just disbelieving all of it other than the broad swaths, and even that, I’m struggling to put stock into. Billing this as non fiction is a choice, but not one I’d make.

I also found the chronology very confusing - for example, a chapter would be titled “2019”, and paragraph 3 or so would begin “back in 2006”…

Interesting story though. Ultimately, a romantic historical fiction about unlikely partners bringing the Caspian horse back to global prominence (I guess?), but that’s it.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reigned me in and rode hard from start to finish. This historical novel is dreamy and nightmarish and full of strong female characters that make you want to be a better person, be a stronger person. You can feel the wind in your hair as they ride free as a sisterhood of “wild women” who ultimately take down the most feared regime in the Middle East. This book is give you a book hangover; sad that’s it over, missing the characters when you’re done, and feeling lost to find another book that will be as satisfying.

[Gronk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book of Queens: The True Story of the Middle Eastern Horsewomen Who Fought the War on Terror is a 5 star topic in a 1 star delivery. Mahdavi writes in the Author's Note:

"This book is a work of nonfiction... The recollections, conversations, and personal details of the people presented here are based on my own impressions of the memories they shared with me... In the rare case where I couldn't confirm exact details or dialogues, I have re-created them with help from my interviewees and, when possible, reviewed those scenes with those depicted."

Unfortunately claiming a work is nonfiction while content is re-created - a nice way of saying imagined, invented, or made up - is wrong. An example of the resultant fiction: Mahdavi writes about her grandmother Maryam in the midst of a difficult labor:

"Maryam caught a glimpse of the terrified face of her young husband, then passed out from the pain.
When she came to, the kitchen was filled with people. Maman cradled her head and waved smelling salts under her nose. Auntie Manijeh, the midwife, had waded her hands, wrists, and forearms into Maryam's insides. She could feel ever movement and tried to distract herself, searching for the eyes of her beloved. Behind Manijeh were Ali [her husband] and his sisters.
Auntie Manijeh began singing. 'The baby turned nicely,' she crooned.
Maman clapped, and Ali let out an audible sigh of relief.
'Okay, Maryam joon. I'm going to need you to start pushing.'
Maryam nodded. She had been dreading this moment ever since Ali's sister had described her own horrifying experience of childbirth. But she looked at Ali, and he softened when their eyes met, offering his wife his smile. She winked back at him and found the strength to push."

The above took place in 1926. Mahdavi never met her grandmother or anyone that was present at the delivery. Not only does Mahdavi invent the dialogue, she invents her grandmother's thoughts, and she makes her into a superhero who winks at her husband despite having gone through a grueling 24 hour labor. There is no place for that in a work of nonfiction.

Unfortunately the entire story of Maryam is fictionalized. Here Mahdavi tells her Maryam's thoughts:

"Then Maryam had an idea. With her father gone, she no longer had to worry about being caught on horseback. And now that she was a wife and mother, no one could accuse her of risking her virginity when she rode. Maryam had been horrified when her sister-in-law told her the real reason Ashgar had called her 'ruined.' Though it also struck Maryam as absurd when she recalled the pain of her wedding night."

Other aspects of Mahdavi's writing are bothersome like when she tells us what a horse is thinking:

"Terrified of getting shot, Louise leaned forward pressing her body against Khosrow II. The horse without breaking his stride, lowered his head and neck to further protect her."

The account of the Persian women warriors is incredible. The fact that it has been squelched by historians is tragic. Their story should be documented, told, written. Near the end Mahdavi writes:

"Mina and her women warriors would have been ongoing, steady supporters of the American special forces had they not chosen to align instead with the all-male Northern Alliance. The women living in the caves and smokestacks of the jagged mountains of northern Afghanistan with their sure footed horses knew more about the ground beneath them, the rhythms of the seasons, and the subtle nuances necessary to overcome an enemy like the Taliban. Had they not proved this by repeatedly defeating the Taliban and holding their part of the country safe from brutality, all while providing safe haven and rejuvenation for women with no place else to go?
Yet still these women remain in the shadows. In the retelling of the now declassified story of the American horse soldiers, including in the film 12 Strong, the women have been erased. The story told was by men about men.
There is little question that the United States has always known too little about Afghanistan. When they captured prisoners, Arabic translators greeted them at Guantanamo, never mind that Dari and Pashtu are the languages spoken. The focus of the American military was always the weather and the geography, but the people, the ideologies of the Taliban eluded them and continue to do so.
The women who did know and who remain - my family, past and present - have been finding ways to fight oppression for generations and may still hold a key to bringing peace. If only we might learn from the stories of the Caspian and the women who ride them. Let these female warriors who are battling ISIS in Turkey and Iraq and those who are pushing back the Taliban in Afghanistan show us the way forward: fighting side by side with allies who come in all shapes and sizes, with experience and knowledge unlike anything we have known, because that is, after all, the point. Women allies. Equine allies."

I'm glad I read the book to learn of these amazing horses and even more amazing equestrian women warriors. Unfortunately packaging a work of historical fiction as non-fiction is not only misleading, it is dangerous. We live in a world where telling fact from fiction is often difficult. Masquerading historical fiction as fact contributes to the erosion of the distinction. Mahdavi, a professor of anthropology herself, ought to know better.

[Amy Sugerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a ride!! Pun intended. This narrative nonfiction is a remarkable story made more so by the author’s close familial connection to the women warriors she researched and wrote about. Talk about coming full circle. I just loved this book and it will take its happy place on my Favorites of the Year shelf.