An excellent Young Adult book on the subject of Afghanistan.

I really enjoyed this book, even though I'm far from a Young Adult! It was tastefully written and the fact that the author was a soldier there made me feel gratified that people with such humanity are fighting the Afghan cause.

Zulaikha is a young Afghani girl, marked for life with a hair-lip and crooked teeth that earn her the cruel name of 'Donkeyface'.
She lives with her older sister, Zeynab, her 19 year old brother, Najib, and two younger brothers. Her own mother was killed by the Taliban and her father's second wife, Malehkah, now rules the household with a firm hand.
The Taliban era is behind them and newly arrived American soldiers are promising to build a school in the area.
The arrival of the soldiers brings very varied reactions from the members of the village, the young lads idolise them, young girls are warned away, and some of the villagers stand to gain financially from the future building work.
Amidst this framework, life goes on for Zulaikha's family as her sister prepares for her wedding.

This was well written, perfectly pitched for the target audience, and I would highly recommend it for all ages.

This book was an Amazon Vine review copy which I thoroughly enjoyed.
It will now make its way to Katayoun in Iran via her friend who is visiting Dubai.
Although we have never met she is my very great friend after hosting my crazy son as he hitch hiked through Iran.
One day we will meet, meanwhile I hope you enjoy this as much as i did :)

here, perfect, thanks!