THE BREADWINNER BY DEBORAH ELLIS

 Zulfan Munada Ardan Nahara (30802400008)

The Breadwinner (2000) by Deborah Ellis is a young adult story set in Kabul, Afghanistan, under the hard rule of the Taliban. The story is about Parvana, an 11 year old girl. Her life changes a lot after the Taliban soldiers take her father away without a good reason. The rules are very strict, women and girls can’t go outside alone. They need amale family member with them. Because of this, Parvana’s family is in danger, they have nothing left.

To help her family stay alive, Parvana makes a brave choice. She cuts her hair and pretends to be a boy so she can work in the market and earn money for her family.

The best part of this book is how honest and dark the story is. Deborah Ellis doesn’t make the hard life softer. She shows real pain and fear that people, even children, face every day. For example, Parvana and her mother get beaten when they try to visit the father in prison. Or Homa, who watched her own family get shot right in front of her eyes. She also saw piles of dead bodies lying everywhere. Later, wild dogs ate those bodies. The small and limited places in the story show how the Taliban stop women from having basic rights.

Even with all the pain, the book also shows how women help each other quietly. Mrs. Weera is a strong woman who never gives up. She organizes safe places for other women. There is also a mysterious woman called the Window Woman. She lives alone and throws small gifts from her window to Parvana. This shows hidden kindness and friendship between women during hard times.

When Parvana dresses like a boy, it’ss not just a story trick. It is a way for her to take control and stay alive. Through Parvana, the book shows that the rules society makes about boys and girls can be broken when people need to survive. The writing is clear and simple, but it still makes readers feel strong emotions. The Breadwinner is a powerful book about human rights, gender, and staying strong during war and conflict.