(8/22/2015)
This book chronicling a family's flight from Afghanistan to London is fraught with many perils, but is different from the stories headlining our daily newspapers. The journey is led by Fereiba, mother of 3 children, one of whom was recently born and very ill, after her husband Mahmood was taken away by the Taliban, a woman strong beyond belief. We read and see photos of male migrants crossing the seas by boat, going from country to country and riding the Chunnel from Calais, but no story like Fereiba's can hold you captive like When the Moon is Low. The story builds in intensity as Fereiba and family face one obstacle after another, and it's hard to put the book down. It's even harder to think that this is happening over and over each day as the Taliban and Isis crack down on life in the Mideast. Women are allowed no freedom, yet Fereiba took it upon herself to make sure her family could enjoy a safe life in the future. A love story-- and as the author wrote "love grows wildest in gardens of hardship". Everyone should be reading this book.