I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali (and Delphine Minoui)
It's always an eye-opening experience to read about the sad lives of young girls trapped in third world countries like Yemen where poverty, illiteracy and ignorance are rampant, and where a man's "honor" trumps everything including justice and the basic human rights of women. In Yemen, there's an old tribal proverb: "To guarantee a happy marriage, marry a nine-year-old-girl." Nujood's father marries her off to a stranger when she is only 10. Her husband is more than twice her age and rapes her on their wedding night. After several months of his brutal treatment, Nujood manages to escape and make her way to the courthouse in Sana'a where she asks a judge to grant her a divorce. Her case, the first in Yemen's history, made international headlines. I can see why. Somehow this young girl of 10 found the courage to defy her father, her husband, and the ancient customs of her country to speak her own mind and demand her freedom.
I'm a simple village girl whose family had to move to the capital, and I have always obeyed the orders of my father and brothers. Since forever, I have learned to say yes to everything. ... Today I have decided to say no.Her story, simply yet powerfully told, made me want to cry. It also made me wish I could do more to help girls like her. Because while Nujood's story turns out well in the end, there are thousands of others like her who haven't gotten their happy endings yet. That's why it's so important for books like this one not only to be written, but to be read. At only 178 pages long, Nujood's story is an unforgettable and inspiring one. I'm very glad I read it.
Happy Reading!
I've had this one on my shelf forever! I really need to just read it already.
ReplyDeleteIt won't take you long because it reads really fast. And it's short. So get reading! ;)
DeleteI still find it hard to believe that in this day and age such terrible things continue to happen. It is heartening to know that at least one child has had a better ending.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? In 2017 no girl should be subjected to that kind of treatment...at least Nujood got out of a bad situation and has some hope for the future, and some happiness.
DeleteIt is heartbreaking and horrifying to know these things happen around the world. I'm glad this young girl was able to get out of her situation. Too many cannot...
ReplyDeleteYeah. It makes me wonder what is wrong with our world that these things happen so casually, and in the majority of the times, without consequences. It makes me sad. :(
DeleteIt is books like these that make you grateful to live in a safe environment where you have chances to make something of your life and to have real choices. Sometimes it is good to be reminded of that.
ReplyDeleteKind regards,
So true! I definitely appreciate my family, my freedoms, my religion, and my country much more after reading a book like this.
DeleteBooks like this always upset me but it's important that the victims' stories are heard and that actions are done to right the wrongs. It's both sad and scary that such things happen in some parts of the world. I couldn't imagine the terror the victims are going through and it breaks my heart. :(
ReplyDeleteI agree; these stories always break my heart, too. But like you I think it's so important for the rest of the world to know that they're happening. And at least in Nujood's case, she has a chance for a happier ending now.
DeleteWhat a brave little girl. I may catch this on audio whenever I work up the bravery.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one...and while what happened to her is tough to think about, the way the story is told makes it so it's not that tough to read.
DeleteWow, I just don't know if I could handle reading this. A 10-year-old bride? That's unthinkable. Sounds like this is a fascinating and important read, even if it's tough to stomach.
ReplyDeleteIt's good, and doesn't get too graphic or deal too long with the hard parts...but it does make your heart hurt for this little girl.
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