Outspoken

Sima Samar has been fighting for equality and justice all her life. Born into a polygamous family, she learned early that girls had inferior status and had to agree to an arranged marriage to go to university. By the time she was in medical school, she was both a mother and a revolutionary. Samar's work as a doctor for those most desperate for help – namely women in far flung, mountainous regions – put her in grave personal danger. After her husband was disappeared by the pro-Russian regime, she faced a choice: accept the injustices she saw around her or fight for a better Afghanistan.





Despite numerous death threats and decades of catastrophic warfare, Samar has worked tirelessly for the dream she is convinced is achievable: justice and human rights for all citizens of Afghanistan.





In this poignant and inspiring memoir – the first inside story of Afghanistan by a woman – Samar provides an unparalleled view of her country's past, present and extremely fragile future.



'Memoirs don't come much more inspirational than this…Acknowledging that "most of the world sees us as a people at war", Samar carefully balances a steely indictment of her country's repressive tendencies with an affection for her heritage. It's a crucial complement to American narratives about Afghanistan.'



'Illuminating. . . . Sima Samar relates the embattled history of Afghanistan with lucid facts personalized with deeply felt impressions about her homeland's perpetual unrest. The author opens readers' eyes to the harsh realities of life for Afghan women. . . . Vital. . . . Samar's lifelong legacy of resistance and resilience is palpably present in this memorable self-portrait.'