Zakia was expected to marry someone her father chose for her. Afghani women are considered to be property that can be traded, sold, raped or killed at the whim of the men in their families. Falling in love with someone not approved by a father can be a terrifying experience. Zakia and her neighbor Ali loved each other enough to run away and live in hiding for years, with her family giving up their farm in order to hunt for them and kill her.

Author Rod Norland is a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter for the New York Times who was stationed in Afghanistan for years. He became very involved in Zakia and Ali's life, trying to help them escape. Although his book at times drags with unnecessary details, the in-depth discussion of human rights, or the lack of them, in Afghanistan is interesting and sadly enlightening. Yes, life under the Soviets was much better for women, and it was slowly improving after American removal of Taliban control. But judges and prosecutors often ignore the new laws, and women are still expected to stay home, unschooled and dedicated only to the happiness of the men who own them.

The author discusses honor killings and other abuses taking place in today's Afghanistan. I expect this book to be made into a movie.

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