For Fauziya Kassindja, an idyllic childhood in Togo, West Africa, sheltered from the tribal practices of polygamy and genital mutilation, ended wit...
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Nov 23, 2008
Amanda
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This is one of those stories which, if it were fiction, it would be totally unbelievable. It's the story of a young Togolese woman who flees Togo to escape an arranged marriage and genital mutilation, only to get trapped in the immigration system upon arriving in the US.
As I was reading this book, I would have given it four stars- the writing could have been more concise and there were some stylistic things that I didn't like. But by the end, I was so heartbroken and angry for Fauzi More...
As I was reading this book, I would have given it four stars- the writing could have been more concise and there were some stylistic things that I didn't like. But by the end, I was so heartbroken and angry for Fauzi More...
Jan 14, 2008
Katie
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This book made me really interested in the process of claiming asylum. I've never thought much about asylum, but reading a personal account of someone suffering through the process really made me more interested in learning more about those seeking asylum. i went through a phase of reading a lot of books written by and about people in prison, all of which have been depressing to read, but her story added a whole new dimension. she had to suffer all of horrible things that happen in prison wit
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Jan 23, 2012
S'hi
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A harrowing story of one young girl’s journey into womanhood, which reflects the tragedy in the lives of many girls throughout Africa. Covering the unusual freedoms of a family background which allowed her four older sisters to marry men of their own choosing, Fauziya explains how everything went wrong for her when her beloved father died while she was away at boarding school in Ghana as a 16 year old student. Although this is one woman’s story, right from the beginning the backdrop of others’ l
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Oct 18, 2011
Patti
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It took me a while to get throught his book. Fauziya is very detailed about her journey, not leaving out details about her traumatic experience, even giving detailed background stories about her legal representation.
One of the most striking things about this book is that Fauziya is about the same age as me, so I kept thinking about what I was doing when she was going through everything. On the Travel Channel, you can watch shows about being "Locked up Abroad" which show the More...
One of the most striking things about this book is that Fauziya is about the same age as me, so I kept thinking about what I was doing when she was going through everything. On the Travel Channel, you can watch shows about being "Locked up Abroad" which show the More...
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Jan 09, 2010
Dana
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Fauziya Kassindja grew up in Togo, Africa in a privileged setting. Her father did not believe in the tribal practices of polygamy and Female Genital Mutilation (FMG). Fauziya's father died suddenly and she was pulled out of school and put into an arranged marriage as a fourth wife and then told to prepare herself for FMG.
Kassindja's sister went against her own husband to save her sister and help her to escape the country. But escape to what?
Kassindja ended up going the th More...
Kassindja's sister went against her own husband to save her sister and help her to escape the country. But escape to what?
Kassindja ended up going the th More...
Mar 03, 2010
Susan
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This is the true story of an African girl, Fauziya Kassindja, who sought asylum in America to escape FGM (female genital mutilation) and an arranged marriage to a man 30 years her senior. Her family were devout Muslims, but her parents were more traditional and opposed FGM. Because her father was well-to-do he was able to protect Fauziya and her sisters from this practice. When her father died, Fauziya, who was only 17, was put on an airplane and sent to Germany to escape. She had only a suitcas
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Dec 07, 2008
taaza
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I was really blown away by this book - in fact, I think it is one of the best, if not the best - that I have read yet this year. An African girl of 17 years of age tries to get political asylum to escape "kakia" or FGM as she flees Togo by way of Germany and then the U.S. This was a painful but incredible description of her ordeal in prison and finally the legal difficulties endured as her legal team worked day and night trying to get asylum granted. Fascinating and absorbing, a must-r
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Dec 15, 2008
Julie
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Fauziya courageously escapes the horrible fate that awaits her--a prison constructed by culture and tradition. She hopefully seeks political asylum in the U.S., and her nightmare actually begins as she's bound in a prison of steel, brutality, and bureaucracy. I read this candid autobiographical story in one night, and I'm not a speed reader! It's suspenseful, depressing, and thought-provoking. Fauziya has a lot to show us about culture, human rights, the nonsensical & hypocritical politics of t
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Jan 17, 2012
Ruby
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This book should absolutely be required reading in the western world. Absolutely appalling that immigrants are treated as criminals (and worse because under US law they officially have no rights). This is a devestating story, and I'm glad that Kassindja had the strength to tell it. I want to buy several copies of this book and hand them out to people.
One of the most striking statistics in the book was how 50% of illegal immigrants that come to the US are from caucasian countrie More...
One of the most striking statistics in the book was how 50% of illegal immigrants that come to the US are from caucasian countrie More...
Jan 21, 2011
Caroline Alicia
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For some reason,Fauziya's story wasn't resonating with me once she got to America. Hate to sound like coldblooded scumbag. I just found myself frustrated with her. She call yell at her distant cousin and lawyers over the phone, but she finally gets her hearing and she acts like she's a deaf mute or something? I can totally see her POV but I can understand why her story sounded incredulous as well. I think the major thing that bothered me is how Ok some people are with being ignorant on the facts
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Jul 07, 2010
Janaya
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It's about a young 18 year old who suffers in her effort to escape female genital mutilation, tribal law, and then the horrible American justice system (whose policies regarding "illegal" immigrants are so ambiguous and in need of revision that it's ridiculous). Not only is this story about great adversity, and the strength of hope, it's about incredible, unbreakable faith and the love of God.
I loved it! It's long, but I read it in less than a week. It's a novel that makes you wan More...
I loved it! It's long, but I read it in less than a week. It's a novel that makes you wan More...
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Dec 06, 2007
Cassandra
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I bought this book from Luga Airport in Malta on my European trip because it was one of the cheapest on the shelf,I needed something to fill my time and stick to my budget! I opened the book to find one of the most amazing stories I've ever read. The courage of this girl from the small African nation of Togo is truly inspiring and makes you value your own fortunate life.
Fleeing from female genital mutliation and an arranged marriage to a man twice her age and with three wives already livin More...
Fleeing from female genital mutliation and an arranged marriage to a man twice her age and with three wives already livin More...
Feb 04, 2011
Dodie
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I didn't find this a particularly well written book but that seems irrelevant when you think about what the book is actually about. Anyone who buys into the fear and propaganda politicians and the media try to instil in us about 'boat people' and 'illegal immigrants' should read this.
A true story about a woman who flees Africa because of polygamy and genital mutilation only to find that the way she's treated in the US by their government is a hundred times worse than what she was ru More...
A true story about a woman who flees Africa because of polygamy and genital mutilation only to find that the way she's treated in the US by their government is a hundred times worse than what she was ru More...
Dec 22, 2011
Eliane
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The autobiography of Fauziya Kassindja, the first woman to successfully be granted asylum in the US on the basis of gender-based persecution. Kassindja tells her story of fleeing forced FGC and polygamous marriage in Togo, only to be imprisoned in disastrous conditions in the US for sixteen months before finally being freed in a landmark decision. The writing is simple and non-literary, but the story remains poignant.
Jan 16, 2009
Lynda
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It has been quite some time since I read this book but I still recall the force of how it impacted me. More than anything else on the topic of female genital mutilation that I've read this one made me reconsider the political implication as well as the horrific personal consequences of the practice. The writing could be better, but the story definitely held my attention and informed me in some important ways.
Feb 20, 2009
Sarah
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I started out this book wondering how they were going to fill 500 pages with this young woman's story. But, she writes going back through her childhood, explaining her country (Togo), customs, culture, and faith. It's a very important piece to understanding her story, as well as how it impacts her process of seeking asylum in the US. This is a good glimpse into the asylum process in the US and how it has developed; all told through her story. I was quite surprised to find out that it wasn't
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Dec 20, 2011
Chelsea
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I read this book several years ago and was reminded of it when I read "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave. It the the amazing and sad story of the first woman to seek political asylum in the USA to avoid female circumcision in her native land o Togo. It will make you sad, angry at the system, and have you rejoicing in the power and courage of the human spirit by the end. A powerful read for anyone.
Aug 11, 2011
Violet
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I picked this book up because it was about an African girl and honestly I did not expect much from it, mostly because I had never heard of this book before. I ended up loving this book. It's about a young girl who runs from her home and ends up in America as an illegal immigrant. The story follows her struggle to stay in a foreign country and make them understand the difficulties and the dangers she would face if she is sent home. She also spends some time in the refuge prison.
Turns More...
Turns More...
Oct 11, 2011
Jennifer
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This is an amazing story of a young woman is is thrust into the U.S. immigration system. She comes from Africa in hopes of beig granted asylum without knowing that she will have to overcome mutiple obstacles before she can win her case. This book is the reason I realized I was interested in knowing more about immigration & asylum law. & it is a quick read.
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Feb 28, 2011
Tisha
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I thought that this book was wondrful! Poor Fauziya, she thought that escaping her country and tribal laws and tradition to come to America, land of the free would be safer for her only to find out that it's not what it seems. But at the end she learns that her personal experience is not what the real America is all about and that there is good people in this country who were willing to sacrafice for her true freedom.
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Apr 23, 2009
Terry
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Just finished the excellent "The Visitor" (definitely an Oscar-worthy performance by Richard Jenkins. I may or may not have fallen a wee bit in love.), which reminded me of this excellent--though upsetting and enraging--book. Worth a read, certainly. I can only hope the changing of administrations in Washington will make these stories... stop.
Sep 10, 2009
Sherry
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This is a good read based on the true story of the first woman to be granted political asylum based on female genital mutilation. The law student who represented Fauziya has since started a legal organization in DC (expanding to other cities) that represents female immigrants on a range of issues.
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May 16, 2009
Nicole
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This book is a true story about a young girl that tells her story about surviving in an African prison. It is a VERY moving story and so so so sad...I wrote how familiar I was with her pain because it was right after a very painful period in my own life...Prepare yourself before you read this.
Jan 12, 2011
Sharon
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very glad that I read this book and was made more aware of the conditions both in other countries as well as though seeking asylum. Was heartwarming to read about the women who helped Fauziya finally win her freedom in this country. Difficult read but I thought it was a important one.
Oct 27, 2008
Sarah
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 13, 2012
A great book about our immigration laws and how refugees are put in jail for months - years trying to get into the U.S. It is very disturbing, but I think more people should read it and become aware of the U.S. immigration policies and how they handle things.
Apr 24, 2009
Joseramirez
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A pretty powerful book about a woman who fled from her community's practice of FGM to try and seek assylum in the US, only to be put in prison by the US. Its kind of sad but also very moving through the ways in which she describes her spirituality and her survival.
Mar 12, 2009
Cindy
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Excellent! This is the true story of one woman's escape from an arranged polygamous marriage and forced mutilation in Africa and of the persecution suffered in US prisons while waiting asylum. An emotionally difficult read but an eye-opener.
Dec 01, 2008
Kalin
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This is my favorite book I've read this year. It's a true story about a girl who had to leave her country to escape a forced marriage and genital mutilation. It tells a lot about her culture and is interesting from start to finish.
Jun 21, 2010
Alisa
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I would give this book 70 stars if I could. I learned so much about the U.S. immigration system and its shameful systematic flaws, and it was also so easy to read and easily relatable. Many thanks to this brave woman.
