“Absolutely as up to the minute as today’s news, The Dressmaker of Khair Khana focuses on one woman and one family, but speaks for thousands who live where outside forces tell you ‘no’ at every turn. When the Taliban took over Afghanistan, Kamela Sediqi’s father and older brothers left Kabul, fearing reprisals for past political associations. Kamela was not permitted to work or go to school, but had to find a way to support and sustain her younger siblings. A simple skill (sewing) created a livelihood for Kamela, her family, and others in her community. Dressmaker is a story of family, of innovation, and of community. Gayle Tzemack Lemmon gives us a view of a life so foreign to our own, but also accessible because of the strong will to survive and create a life where it would seem almost impossible for any woman to do so. Amazing and inspiring, this is a book we will want to share.”—Becky, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA
Face Out
The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
March 17, 2011
Thank you very much for your review of “The Dressmaker of Khair Khana.” Bringing this universal story of family, faith and community to readers has been a joy. I hope “The Dressmaker” does its part to change the way we see women and war and to celebrate the power each of us has to make a difference.
I appreciate your support and send warmest wishes —
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon