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Where the Sun Rises: A story of feminine courage and friendship
For most, the war with ISIS plays out on a faceless global stage. For these two best friends, it's personal...
Kurdish Syria, 2014. Karin longs to fight for her freedom. Except she's forced to stay home while her brother heads into battle and ISIS advances. But when death and destruction arrive at the city gates, Karin shoulders her rifle and prepares to engage.
Roza aches for the peaceful life of a wife and mother. But when she loses her husband in the same firefight that kills her best friend's brother, her grief drives her into the female militia to defend her family. Roza's rage only grows when she discovers her close friend's sister has been captured by ISIS.
Fighting side-by-side with their fellow sisters, Karin and Roza launch a daring and potentially lethal rescue mission. But the horrors they encounter will test their commitment to the cause, and may demand sacrifices no friend should have to bear...Will the determined guerrillas put their lives on the line and win the battle for human decency?
Where the Sun Rises is a touching story of feminine courage and friendship, based on real events. If you like strong women, compassionate relationships, and untold stories of heroism, then you'll love Suzanne Strong's powerful novel.
Kurdish Syria, 2014. Karin longs to fight for her freedom. Except she's forced to stay home while her brother heads into battle and ISIS advances. But when death and destruction arrive at the city gates, Karin shoulders her rifle and prepares to engage.
Roza aches for the peaceful life of a wife and mother. But when she loses her husband in the same firefight that kills her best friend's brother, her grief drives her into the female militia to defend her family. Roza's rage only grows when she discovers her close friend's sister has been captured by ISIS.
Fighting side-by-side with their fellow sisters, Karin and Roza launch a daring and potentially lethal rescue mission. But the horrors they encounter will test their commitment to the cause, and may demand sacrifices no friend should have to bear...Will the determined guerrillas put their lives on the line and win the battle for human decency?
Where the Sun Rises is a touching story of feminine courage and friendship, based on real events. If you like strong women, compassionate relationships, and untold stories of heroism, then you'll love Suzanne Strong's powerful novel.
284 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 16, 2020
3.5 stars...
Thanks to Book tasters and the author for providing me with an EARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
This story talks about 2 strong and brave women and best friends. Who were with each other since childhood and suddenly in the middle of there peaceful and calm life they had... Came the wor, and when it came to there country and the home they'd only known they'd decided to fight with everything they've got.. even there lives.. they were definitely ready and willing to sacrifice anything just for there families and children..
Also, I really loved how the woman sacrificed her life for her best friend, and Karen didn't let her friend down and took care of her only child after she passed away, not only because rosa has given her life to save her best friend, but also because Karen had a really kind heart..
This book was a good women fiction read.. but the story was kind of rushed and I wished it was longer so I could injoy it more.
Loved it
Thanks to Book tasters and the author for providing me with an EARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
This story talks about 2 strong and brave women and best friends. Who were with each other since childhood and suddenly in the middle of there peaceful and calm life they had... Came the wor, and when it came to there country and the home they'd only known they'd decided to fight with everything they've got.. even there lives.. they were definitely ready and willing to sacrifice anything just for there families and children..
Also, I really loved how the woman sacrificed her life for her best friend, and Karen didn't let her friend down and took care of her only child after she passed away, not only because rosa has given her life to save her best friend, but also because Karen had a really kind heart..
This book was a good women fiction read.. but the story was kind of rushed and I wished it was longer so I could injoy it more.
Loved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2020
Every time I read Where the Sun Rises: A story of feminine courage and friendship I was teleported to Kobane, Syria. It was as if I was amongst Karin & Roza, witnessing their life through the lens of the author Suzanne Strong.
First thanks to the author for bringing the story of women of war torn countries like Syria to the fore and allowing outsiders to live the fear, anxiety, uncertainty, emotions, separation, isolation, their loss and the most – the audacity of ladies. I’ve never been to either Syria or Iraq. But I was able to envisage Kobane and its beautiful landscape – its land, its mountains, its “cascading waterfalls”, its sunset & its bird. So you will too. And also the sounds of bullets that is clear in the silence of night. The callous treatment of hostages by the ISIS. And the dreadful reality that “nothing is going to be the same again”.
The story isn’t about only Karin or Roza. It’s about every family whose motherland is about to be captured, who have lost their loved ones, who are fighting to secure their future and many, many things. Every girl and woman who has gathered in the training camp are bound by the common goal - to protect their land and future – are not just “comrades”, as they’re called in the story but each has their own story and struggle that tells you about the life of the native people . Some orthodox, some liberal. Some violent, some caring.
The training camp is not the place only for the uniform, discipline, & ammunition. At one point, Karin thinks “Though Daesh wanted to take women back into the dark ages, here the Kurdish forces were quietly achieving social change to take back to their society.” It is a place for the revolution & liberation. It is the place of gradual transformation from sister, mother, wife, daughter, teacher & innumerable to soldiers.
“We are fighting tyranny, patriarchy, and barbarism.” These kinds of lines have particularly resonated with me that how the war was not only changing the structure of buildings but also the fabric of society, now & forever.
It isn’t easy to be on front line, particularly if you were once a civilian unlike any security forces personnel. “Sometimes she had a high-pitched ringing in her ear, the cacophony of war, the sounds assaulted you as much as anything else.” This is the story of ladies who graduated and broke the societal norms. This is the story of life of ladies amidst the shuddering sounds of bullets, who carried guns with proud, dared the night raids, rescued & lost their life for others. They’re the ones who sang and danced on the classics, loved, cared, wept, briefed to journalists & most importantly – they were the majority & defended border equally with men in combat.
“It seemed defiant to her, beauty persisting in the face of desolation.” The author has touched upon the history of Kurds, their religion and culture in the backdrop of the beauty of Kobane & its dawn. And also on the faraway places where fighting & rescuing is going on in present. You’ll experience the inner battle that they go through in search for the validation of their decision to take up the arm, the emptiness in midst of bloodshed and the meaninglessness of war where there is only loss. There’re number of flashbacks to draw the contrast between the war & normal life.
You’ll witness the strength and the real audacity of women who with the hope of saving their family & their land convened to pick up the gun & armored with all the ammunition to face the most terrific reality of their life – the Islamic State.
Most of us who are living peacefully or at least, are not in the midst of sounds of guns and the utter anxiety about our future, this story will give you the glimpse of what it’s like to be in countries like Syria, Iraq, Yemen, South Sudan, Libya & many more, and especially about the life of women. I’ll recommend to all the readers to refer to map to get familiar to Syria and its cities.
First thanks to the author for bringing the story of women of war torn countries like Syria to the fore and allowing outsiders to live the fear, anxiety, uncertainty, emotions, separation, isolation, their loss and the most – the audacity of ladies. I’ve never been to either Syria or Iraq. But I was able to envisage Kobane and its beautiful landscape – its land, its mountains, its “cascading waterfalls”, its sunset & its bird. So you will too. And also the sounds of bullets that is clear in the silence of night. The callous treatment of hostages by the ISIS. And the dreadful reality that “nothing is going to be the same again”.
The story isn’t about only Karin or Roza. It’s about every family whose motherland is about to be captured, who have lost their loved ones, who are fighting to secure their future and many, many things. Every girl and woman who has gathered in the training camp are bound by the common goal - to protect their land and future – are not just “comrades”, as they’re called in the story but each has their own story and struggle that tells you about the life of the native people . Some orthodox, some liberal. Some violent, some caring.
The training camp is not the place only for the uniform, discipline, & ammunition. At one point, Karin thinks “Though Daesh wanted to take women back into the dark ages, here the Kurdish forces were quietly achieving social change to take back to their society.” It is a place for the revolution & liberation. It is the place of gradual transformation from sister, mother, wife, daughter, teacher & innumerable to soldiers.
“We are fighting tyranny, patriarchy, and barbarism.” These kinds of lines have particularly resonated with me that how the war was not only changing the structure of buildings but also the fabric of society, now & forever.
It isn’t easy to be on front line, particularly if you were once a civilian unlike any security forces personnel. “Sometimes she had a high-pitched ringing in her ear, the cacophony of war, the sounds assaulted you as much as anything else.” This is the story of ladies who graduated and broke the societal norms. This is the story of life of ladies amidst the shuddering sounds of bullets, who carried guns with proud, dared the night raids, rescued & lost their life for others. They’re the ones who sang and danced on the classics, loved, cared, wept, briefed to journalists & most importantly – they were the majority & defended border equally with men in combat.
“It seemed defiant to her, beauty persisting in the face of desolation.” The author has touched upon the history of Kurds, their religion and culture in the backdrop of the beauty of Kobane & its dawn. And also on the faraway places where fighting & rescuing is going on in present. You’ll experience the inner battle that they go through in search for the validation of their decision to take up the arm, the emptiness in midst of bloodshed and the meaninglessness of war where there is only loss. There’re number of flashbacks to draw the contrast between the war & normal life.
You’ll witness the strength and the real audacity of women who with the hope of saving their family & their land convened to pick up the gun & armored with all the ammunition to face the most terrific reality of their life – the Islamic State.
Most of us who are living peacefully or at least, are not in the midst of sounds of guns and the utter anxiety about our future, this story will give you the glimpse of what it’s like to be in countries like Syria, Iraq, Yemen, South Sudan, Libya & many more, and especially about the life of women. I’ll recommend to all the readers to refer to map to get familiar to Syria and its cities.
October 30, 2020
At first, Karin speaks to me because she is a medical student with her land on the verge of occupation. She finds it ironic to be in such a position. I think doctors are always meant to be revolutionary. An idealist view, but it stands for everything our profession is.
I think the beauty of "Where the Sun Rises" lies with the realistic nature of the characters. Mani reminds me of green boys who are idealistic and somehow thirsty for blood. Her family reminds me of survivors who wanted to keep their identity. I find it heartbreaking, because wars do not recognize these people. It remains ruthless, and we are but humans who are carried through the machinations of the powerful personalities in the figurative pyramid of society. The story zoomed in to the nameless faces within that event, making it humanizing to read.
Roza, on the other hand, bears that softness that appeals to me. Where Karin transforms to a force to be reckoned with, Roza reminds me of comfort and home. She is placed in a difficult position, being left as the sole parent of her child as her husband goes to war. Then Sercan dies, and Karin leaves. I think her character has been bombarded on all sides all at once, and she's the next line in defense.
Looking into the context on which this story occurs, I find myself lucky for not being limited, oppressed, and discriminated as a woman from my own hometown. YPJ movement is liberating for the women under their wing. One way or another, you will see yourself in them.
For the narrative, the placement of the dialogues was meant to be strategic to emphasize the moments that would pull you into the story. However, there are moments when I wanted the story to slow down and not simply tell me what is happening. Let me digest Karin and Roza's grief. Show me what is happening around them. How did it feel to live every day at the brink of the war? Let the moments of departure and reunion unfold before my eyes. As much as I appreciate the introspection, the show and tell balance favors the latter in this case.
Overall, despite my comments, reading Where the Sun Rises is an experience. I find myself feeling the heaviness on my chest as I try to imagine what happened. War changes lives and changes the world. A big thanks to Ms. Strong for putting these realities into words!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2021
I was given a free copy of this book by the author, via Booktasters, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much, Suzanne Strong! You opened my eyes to all the nuances of war, and the experience of women in these most difficult times. What makes this book so much more vibrant, is that it is based on truth. It is sooo much more horrifying when you realise this while reading. The book's characters stayed with me long after the story ended, and I had to go and google the places and the people. This war has not ended for these people!
The main characters, Karin and lives, are Kurdish female fighters. They are well-educated women, on the cusp of starting their careers and lives. But that has to be placed on the back-burner because their way of life and their land are being threatened by Daesh. They feel themselves compelled to join a female fighting squad, to prevent their town, Kobane, and their families being overtaken.
It is a story of women empowerment. A story of the love for your own culture, way of life and land! It is also a story of love, love for close family and romantic love. We can all identify with it!
The horrors of war are terrifying, and we get right in the middle of it! What I appreciate of the book, is that we don't linger in the gruesome details, but we know enough to make us recoil in anger and disgust at what it makes people do!
I would recommend this book to all who are interested in recent history. The research has been excellent in portraying the lives of real people in real time!
(My copy had words, and even whole sentences, strung together as one, but I presume it's because it's a free copy? I would hope the book does not have these issues?)
Thank you, Suzanne! All my love!
The main characters, Karin and lives, are Kurdish female fighters. They are well-educated women, on the cusp of starting their careers and lives. But that has to be placed on the back-burner because their way of life and their land are being threatened by Daesh. They feel themselves compelled to join a female fighting squad, to prevent their town, Kobane, and their families being overtaken.
It is a story of women empowerment. A story of the love for your own culture, way of life and land! It is also a story of love, love for close family and romantic love. We can all identify with it!
The horrors of war are terrifying, and we get right in the middle of it! What I appreciate of the book, is that we don't linger in the gruesome details, but we know enough to make us recoil in anger and disgust at what it makes people do!
I would recommend this book to all who are interested in recent history. The research has been excellent in portraying the lives of real people in real time!
(My copy had words, and even whole sentences, strung together as one, but I presume it's because it's a free copy? I would hope the book does not have these issues?)
Thank you, Suzanne! All my love!
September 23, 2020
I chose this book as a free ARC from Voracious Readers Only because it sounded like a story about female empowerment.
The book tells us the story of female fighters in Kobane (Syria) from the point of view of two Kurdish women, Karin and Roza, who have been best friends since childhood. I don't want to give too much of the story away, so I'll just say that they both join the YPJ (the female volunteer unit of Syrian Kurdish militia) to protect Kobane against Daesh (the Islamic State). But it's about much more than that. It's about friendship and family, and about sacrifices for the greater good.
Suzanne Strong spent 4 years writing this book, and it shows, at least from my naive perspective of someone who knew nothing about the topic. I feel like I learnt a lot about Kurdish culture and Kobane (I wish someone with more knowledge than me let me know if it's not the case), and it made me curious enough to do some Google-ing after I read the book to learn more. The characters feel real and well developed.
My main issue with it is that, especially at the beginning, there's some repetition of the same facts from the different viewpoints of the two characters. This I normally like when the points are different enough that it makes sense, so you can see differences in how two different people experience the same thing, but in this case there was no real difference (or it was so subtle that it felt unnecessary). This is only in the first few chapters, and does not happen thoughout the whole book.
Definitely a good book to add to your TBR.
The book tells us the story of female fighters in Kobane (Syria) from the point of view of two Kurdish women, Karin and Roza, who have been best friends since childhood. I don't want to give too much of the story away, so I'll just say that they both join the YPJ (the female volunteer unit of Syrian Kurdish militia) to protect Kobane against Daesh (the Islamic State). But it's about much more than that. It's about friendship and family, and about sacrifices for the greater good.
Suzanne Strong spent 4 years writing this book, and it shows, at least from my naive perspective of someone who knew nothing about the topic. I feel like I learnt a lot about Kurdish culture and Kobane (I wish someone with more knowledge than me let me know if it's not the case), and it made me curious enough to do some Google-ing after I read the book to learn more. The characters feel real and well developed.
My main issue with it is that, especially at the beginning, there's some repetition of the same facts from the different viewpoints of the two characters. This I normally like when the points are different enough that it makes sense, so you can see differences in how two different people experience the same thing, but in this case there was no real difference (or it was so subtle that it felt unnecessary). This is only in the first few chapters, and does not happen thoughout the whole book.
Definitely a good book to add to your TBR.
October 27, 2020
When The Sun Rises, by Suzanne Strong, tells the heart-wrenching story of a town ravaged by war. People are dying, buildings are blown up. From one minute to the next, one wonders whether their home or even worse be taken from them. It paints a vivid picture of what living in a town driven by war looks like and how difficult life must be. Karin and Roza, or Kar and Rozi, as they are affectionately called grew up together. Both families now live in the dangerous town of Kobane. As the Daesh (AKA ISIS) advance rapidly towards the city of Kobane and it’s inhabitants, difficult choices have to be made. Should they join the fight? Should they stay and protect what they have left?Due to circumstances they both experienced, Karin and Roza decide to join the YPG and fight in the battle for their hometown. The YPG is growing in numbers with more women fighting for their town and their freedom and it feels like their duty to join these women. Not only is it their responsibility it is their right. Karin and Roza, as well as some other friends, deal with too much in this journey.
When The Sun Rises in this reader’s opinion, is a wonderfully told story of life and loss. This book played with my emotions more than once. I am left realizing how strong and brave these women are to fight for what they love and for what they believe in. If you enjoy stories of courage and perseverance, you will like this book.
When The Sun Rises in this reader’s opinion, is a wonderfully told story of life and loss. This book played with my emotions more than once. I am left realizing how strong and brave these women are to fight for what they love and for what they believe in. If you enjoy stories of courage and perseverance, you will like this book.
September 4, 2020
I received a free ecopy of the book from Voracious Readers Only. I did not know much about the war between Kobane and Dausch. I liked that the book was about female empowerment and making their country for all members of their society.
I did not know know much about female fighters in Kobane. The characters in the book, real life heroes, reminded me of women I know. They were fighting for a better world. I learned a lot from the book.
This was the first book, I have read, that I thought it was one point of view and realized later, it was from another point of view. It was a book about so many emotions - love, loss, hope, grief, distraught, sadness, renewal, etc.
A lot of this book is about friendship and family. The book shows how important are bonds to one another are. Even in the hardest times, we need those rooting for us. When we lose our team, they still shine through, even in loss.
This was one book, that I really want to reread. I know I will gain more knowledge from reading it again. I look forward to reading more from this author. Actually, want to learn more about Kobane's people and culture.
I did not know know much about female fighters in Kobane. The characters in the book, real life heroes, reminded me of women I know. They were fighting for a better world. I learned a lot from the book.
This was the first book, I have read, that I thought it was one point of view and realized later, it was from another point of view. It was a book about so many emotions - love, loss, hope, grief, distraught, sadness, renewal, etc.
A lot of this book is about friendship and family. The book shows how important are bonds to one another are. Even in the hardest times, we need those rooting for us. When we lose our team, they still shine through, even in loss.
This was one book, that I really want to reread. I know I will gain more knowledge from reading it again. I look forward to reading more from this author. Actually, want to learn more about Kobane's people and culture.
June 1, 2020
"She stopped and fired her AK47. Karin had also stopped. and began to fire as well. The girls ran past them, screaming. Tanah hurriedly ushered them inside the building. Three Daesh men fell onto the street dead, and Roza felt something slam into her arm. Wetness and shock filled her. Karin supported Roza across the street towards the door and into the passageway. Roza was bleeding from a deep wound to her arm, but there was no time to stop."
Suzanne's gripping war novel, "Where the Sun Rises", is a fantastic read. It's based on the true story of the Kurdish Women's Protection Units (YPJ) defeating Daesh (ISIL) in Kobane, the Syrian town near the border of Turkey, in 2014/15. A celebration of the power of unity and determination in the face of evil.
If you like a good war story, this is one of the best!!
Suzanne's gripping war novel, "Where the Sun Rises", is a fantastic read. It's based on the true story of the Kurdish Women's Protection Units (YPJ) defeating Daesh (ISIL) in Kobane, the Syrian town near the border of Turkey, in 2014/15. A celebration of the power of unity and determination in the face of evil.
If you like a good war story, this is one of the best!!
January 1, 2021
I received this book in return for a review and I’m so glad I chose it. I knew little about the Kurdish women fighting in Syria against Daesh and found it educational and heartbreaking. I’d have liked it to be even longer to understand a little more about the characters lives before they went to war. The thought of having a war zone literally on the doorstep and fighting with your school friends is something I can barely imagine. I read it one day as it was so interesting but I’d have liked even more!
August 13, 2021
I read this book over two days and was surprised how 'easy' a read it was given the content. I think this is due mainly to the writing style of the author - descriptive, informative and inspiring. The chapters written as seen through the eyes of Karin and then Roza were a little repetative but gave different perspectives of the same events. Suzanne has clearly researched the events and the challenges faced by the women in the book. I would have given this book 5 stars but was a little disappointed by the ending. I would definately read more by this author
August 4, 2021
Review through Voracious Readers Only
A touching story of a deep friendship in the midst of war. I had tears throughout. This opened my eyes a lot. To be honest, I know little about this part of the world and its culture. I was suprised about the strength of the women and the equality in the Kurdish culture. I love a story with a strong heroine but every woman in this story was strong and brave. Thank you for sharing. This was a book that truly spoke to me.
A touching story of a deep friendship in the midst of war. I had tears throughout. This opened my eyes a lot. To be honest, I know little about this part of the world and its culture. I was suprised about the strength of the women and the equality in the Kurdish culture. I love a story with a strong heroine but every woman in this story was strong and brave. Thank you for sharing. This was a book that truly spoke to me.
Read
April 11, 2020A great account of what the Kurdish women and men achieved against a vile enemy. Not just a book about conflict but the conflicts that these women faced. A book that well documented the human struggles of all wars. I highly recommend it to all modern history buffs.
July 7, 2020
What an intriguing and revealing insight into the Syrian conflict. The war, the sex slavery, being pushed to the edge and not knowing if you will survive but ultimately knowing what is right and what is wrong. Women fighting for freedom. What's not to like?
May 24, 2021
Where the sun rises is an amazing read. Suzanne strong deftly teleports the reader into the middle of a world war where a story of strength, courage and loyalty amongst friends is played out. It's one of the few books that I will keep on coming back to re-read. I definitely recommend!
June 21, 2021
A wonderful and engaging book, focusing on the strength of women in crisis, with a heartbreaking bit also uplifting ending. An informative and thought provoking book about the Kurdish defence in 2014 as told through the eyes of women who stayed behind to fight.
November 3, 2021
This novel shows the women courage to protect their love ones and their land where they grew in peace and happy, no matter the price they pay for it; it shows how the guerrillas can be, and are on this days. It allow me to understand a little the middle east conflict, even when is fiction it gives you an idea about. I really love it and i fully recommend to all readers, especially the younger readers. It shows love, courage, sacrifices and specially how hard you have to pay on that kind of conflicts.
November 4, 2021
Love the story; talks about how courage move women to fight and defend their rights, family, land, friends, believes.How they are able to switch their dreams, abandon their plans in order to to protect their love ones no matter the prize they have to pay for it. Very well written and a wonderful source to give the reader an idea about what is happening in the Middle East, even when is a fiction book allows you to make up you mind. I fully recommend the readers, specially the young ones
October 28, 2020
A powerful and stirring story mostly concerning two Kurdish female soldiers fight against Daesh. The author has invested considerable time and effort in her research. A great read.
June 15, 2021
This is a wonderfully informative, insightful and beautifully written book. This book explores the issues regarding the Kurds and their desire for independence starting in 2014. The issues for these people is explained from both a political, personal and geopolitical point of view. This is my favorite genre of book and this one is exceptional
June 20, 2020
Strong story with strong characters. Easy read. Know of the research that went into writing this and it shows
August 15, 2020
I give these 5 stars with pleasure, as they give the most credence to an author's efforts.
Want to know what the book is about ... read the free chapters! :-)
Want to know what the book is about ... read the free chapters! :-)
September 9, 2020
This book blew me away. I had no idea about the Kurdish women soldiers.
This opened my eyes and this was a wonderful story that needed to be told.
Please do yourself a favor and read this exciting book. The characters are easy to bond to and the ending is, well, it is the ending. I loved reading this and hope you do too.
This opened my eyes and this was a wonderful story that needed to be told.
Please do yourself a favor and read this exciting book. The characters are easy to bond to and the ending is, well, it is the ending. I loved reading this and hope you do too.
October 16, 2019
With Turkish forces invading northern Syria, the release of Sue Strong’s new novel Where The Sun Rises offers a timely and necessary insight into the conflicts of this region.
The focus in Strong’s novel is the village of Kobane, a Syrian town within walking distance of the southern Turkish border. In contemporary times – late 2019 – forces backed by Turkey are amassing to drive out the Kurds, but back in 2014-15, when the novel is set, the Kurds are pushing back against Daesh, an Islamic terrorist group. Although the conflicts are not identical, there are correspondences in what it means to be Kurdish against oppressive forces driven by religious imperatives.
We enter the story when Daesh are advancing towards Kobane. Karin, who is a medical student, is estranged from her fiancé, and is in the final stages of completing her medical degree. In a story that runs parallel to this, we are introduced to Roza, married mother of one, and teacher of English at a local school. It is soon evident the woman who are the focus of these alternating chapters have been strong allies in childhood. A decade later they still remain friends, despite their diverging paths.
When Karin’s brother, Mani, announces he’s off to join the war against Daesh, she laments that he lacks the imposing physique of a soldier.
“His shoulders seemed smaller and bonier than before, vulnerable somehow. She wanted him to be large and bulky, and felt a terrible dread of wanting to protect him but knowing she couldn’t.” Mani leaves for the war and when he doesn’t make it through, Karin decides to stand in place and fight in his honour. There is a female militia group she already knows about, and now she treks off to enlist. On her journey there she reflects on the irony of her decision: her life won’t be dedicated to saving lives – as it would have been in her medical career – but instead will be dedicated to taking lives away. We forgive Karin’s decision because it is clear she has so few choices. The border into Turkey is closed, the war puts a stop to her degree, and her family’s lives are endangered. Good people defend their territory even if it costs them their lives.
Roza wrestles with a similarly difficult decision. She has seen her husband go off to war and the school where she teaches is emptied of students. When she learns her husband has been killed, she struggles to be an effective parent for little Yez. Overcome with grief, she believes the best course of action is to take arms against her pain, and fight to obliterate the loss of her husband. Leaving Yez with relatives, she, too, joins the female militia. Roza and Karin meet at the military training camp and are grateful each has the other for this next harrowing chapter of their lives.
The experience of war brings Roza and Karin closer together, but ultimately the friendship implodes in a defining incident which is both harrowing and emotionally powerful.
Despite the central focus being war, there are keen moments of levity. In the midst of crossfire, we duck into a local bakery – still operating throughout the conflict. Tension is ratcheted down when characters cut loose with singing, dancing and the tembur. There is even an intervention from a gaggle of ducks.
“ “Chh, chh, chh,” Roza said to the ducks, getting them to move along, and guiding them into the nearest yard, relieved they didn’t have any young with them.”
It stands as a testament to Strong’s writing that while she has no direct experience of war, readers still feel immersed in an authentic experience. Take Strong’s description of Roza’s first experience killing Daesh:
“It was strange to see a connection between her fingers, some wood, metal, and powder, and taking a man’s life. Instantly she felt sick, an emptiness she had never experienced seemed to open up inside like a cavernous ravine, as she watched his deep thick blood oozing into the dirt.”
Key scenes are rendered in simple but powerful prose.
“Your daddy became a martyr today,” she told him. “He gave his life for us.” She could barely say the words; they seemed hollow. They embraced the dirt of the street. …It was as if they were the only people in the world.”
If you are curious about how women are inculcated into army life, if you are engaged with feminist empowerment stories, or if you enjoy learning about new cultures through a touchstone like war, I strongly recommend this novel. The story also serves as a sobering reminder of how fortunate most of us are not to be embroiled in conflicts so persistent and harrowing.
Highly recommended.
The focus in Strong’s novel is the village of Kobane, a Syrian town within walking distance of the southern Turkish border. In contemporary times – late 2019 – forces backed by Turkey are amassing to drive out the Kurds, but back in 2014-15, when the novel is set, the Kurds are pushing back against Daesh, an Islamic terrorist group. Although the conflicts are not identical, there are correspondences in what it means to be Kurdish against oppressive forces driven by religious imperatives.
We enter the story when Daesh are advancing towards Kobane. Karin, who is a medical student, is estranged from her fiancé, and is in the final stages of completing her medical degree. In a story that runs parallel to this, we are introduced to Roza, married mother of one, and teacher of English at a local school. It is soon evident the woman who are the focus of these alternating chapters have been strong allies in childhood. A decade later they still remain friends, despite their diverging paths.
When Karin’s brother, Mani, announces he’s off to join the war against Daesh, she laments that he lacks the imposing physique of a soldier.
“His shoulders seemed smaller and bonier than before, vulnerable somehow. She wanted him to be large and bulky, and felt a terrible dread of wanting to protect him but knowing she couldn’t.” Mani leaves for the war and when he doesn’t make it through, Karin decides to stand in place and fight in his honour. There is a female militia group she already knows about, and now she treks off to enlist. On her journey there she reflects on the irony of her decision: her life won’t be dedicated to saving lives – as it would have been in her medical career – but instead will be dedicated to taking lives away. We forgive Karin’s decision because it is clear she has so few choices. The border into Turkey is closed, the war puts a stop to her degree, and her family’s lives are endangered. Good people defend their territory even if it costs them their lives.
Roza wrestles with a similarly difficult decision. She has seen her husband go off to war and the school where she teaches is emptied of students. When she learns her husband has been killed, she struggles to be an effective parent for little Yez. Overcome with grief, she believes the best course of action is to take arms against her pain, and fight to obliterate the loss of her husband. Leaving Yez with relatives, she, too, joins the female militia. Roza and Karin meet at the military training camp and are grateful each has the other for this next harrowing chapter of their lives.
The experience of war brings Roza and Karin closer together, but ultimately the friendship implodes in a defining incident which is both harrowing and emotionally powerful.
Despite the central focus being war, there are keen moments of levity. In the midst of crossfire, we duck into a local bakery – still operating throughout the conflict. Tension is ratcheted down when characters cut loose with singing, dancing and the tembur. There is even an intervention from a gaggle of ducks.
“ “Chh, chh, chh,” Roza said to the ducks, getting them to move along, and guiding them into the nearest yard, relieved they didn’t have any young with them.”
It stands as a testament to Strong’s writing that while she has no direct experience of war, readers still feel immersed in an authentic experience. Take Strong’s description of Roza’s first experience killing Daesh:
“It was strange to see a connection between her fingers, some wood, metal, and powder, and taking a man’s life. Instantly she felt sick, an emptiness she had never experienced seemed to open up inside like a cavernous ravine, as she watched his deep thick blood oozing into the dirt.”
Key scenes are rendered in simple but powerful prose.
“Your daddy became a martyr today,” she told him. “He gave his life for us.” She could barely say the words; they seemed hollow. They embraced the dirt of the street. …It was as if they were the only people in the world.”
If you are curious about how women are inculcated into army life, if you are engaged with feminist empowerment stories, or if you enjoy learning about new cultures through a touchstone like war, I strongly recommend this novel. The story also serves as a sobering reminder of how fortunate most of us are not to be embroiled in conflicts so persistent and harrowing.
Highly recommended.
October 19, 2020
This book was so good. I loved reading about war and conflict from the female point of view. Something so rare in this day and age. And not condcending, which I find happens quite often. My favourite was how descriptive she was. I was sure I could smell the air. Totally recommend this book. I was greatly fortunate to receive a complimentary review copy from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
Read
February 27, 2020Meticulously researched, particularly relevant and necessary today, this harrowing story conveys the plight of the Kurdish female soldiers through the eyes of Karin in her frontline battle against ISIS for homeland, liberation and equality.
Highly descriptive and evocative, Strong gives a detailed insight into Kurdish family life as well as the horrors of war. But its power lies in the strength of its women... Their will to rise up, their desire for freedom and their connection as fellow sisters and friends..... It has moments that strengthen us all.
Highly descriptive and evocative, Strong gives a detailed insight into Kurdish family life as well as the horrors of war. But its power lies in the strength of its women... Their will to rise up, their desire for freedom and their connection as fellow sisters and friends..... It has moments that strengthen us all.
December 1, 2019
Review by Heather Wellstead.
B.A. Creative Writing -Author/Poet and freelance writer.
The importance of ‘Where the sun rises´ topic/genre is defined by current world news reporting the atrocities of war in Syria. The trauma of native Kurdish women caught up in this conflict, is reflected in this fictitious text. For the reader, it’s an education into the reality of war and the bravery shown by women caught up in the conflict.
Through the author’s direct language, the reader is immediately transported into the lives of Karin, Sozan and Rosa, the three central female Kurdish characters. It is 2014 in Syria and the young women’s communities near Kobane are threatened by ISIS militia. Karin's idealist country lifestyle, on her parent’s property amongst the olive groves, belies the undercurrent of a savage and repeated history.
As observers we can empathize with the main characters’ deep attachment to the land and to the culture. In similar circumstances it could be an account of our own country’s cultural displacement. The Kurdish cultures’ disruption by invasion, is a reminder that such violence can erupt anywhere in the world.
Karin, Sozan and Rosa through the unfortunate circumstance of birthright, are forced to become freedom fighters. Their psychological struggles to bear arms as women and be prepared to die, echoes the plight of women throughout history. The conflict disrupts their opportunity for education, financial and personal stability in relationships. We are swept along with their hopes and dreams, amid the reality of possible displacement, torture and/or death.
The discourse of war is reflected in the language of these women as Freedom Fighters. When Rosa removed her civilian clothing to don a uniform, she is reminded to ‘assume a new identity.’
"This is the new you Rozi. The old is gone."
The heroines seemingly become cold hearted, detached and estranged from their own society. Their actions indicate a far deeper revolution in social change for women. The conflict has forced them to transcend their own social doctrines but retain and grow valuable friendships.
As the plot progresses, the reader is able to examine the ISIS fighter through the eyes of the heroines. We discover that their enemies ideological rational are a contradiction in terms and that fanaticism and cowardice, not religion, are at the core of the ISIS belief system. "Going to heaven" ensured; "72 virgins" as a martyr.
The heroines move quickly through the impromptu battlefields on the fringes of their society. They are forced to examine the fragility of life and gain valuable wisdom by their experiences. The reason so many displaced people are forced to leave their homeland as refugees becomes apparent in the text.
When Karin had her hair cut off whilst in the army, it was symbolic of a self-liberated woman. And one of many actions that freed her from the feminine prison within her society. The death of a friend during one of the conflicts, was another catalyst for change in Karin’s life.
The reader may ponder the fate of the Kurdish women’s existence in a country still torn apart by war.
I enjoyed reading the book. I was immediately transported into the life of the young Kurdish heroines, brave enough to fight for their cultural and religious freedom. Although a fictitious account, in reality such conflict is ongoing in Syria.
Any text that provides education and awareness for women of one culture into another, is a valuable life lesson for readers of both genders. The content skimmed the heroines’ ideological roles as Kurdish women in society. But the topic highlights the necessity for dialogue to open and foreign aid to be present, when women and children are caught in conflict zones.
B.A. Creative Writing -Author/Poet and freelance writer.
The importance of ‘Where the sun rises´ topic/genre is defined by current world news reporting the atrocities of war in Syria. The trauma of native Kurdish women caught up in this conflict, is reflected in this fictitious text. For the reader, it’s an education into the reality of war and the bravery shown by women caught up in the conflict.
Through the author’s direct language, the reader is immediately transported into the lives of Karin, Sozan and Rosa, the three central female Kurdish characters. It is 2014 in Syria and the young women’s communities near Kobane are threatened by ISIS militia. Karin's idealist country lifestyle, on her parent’s property amongst the olive groves, belies the undercurrent of a savage and repeated history.
As observers we can empathize with the main characters’ deep attachment to the land and to the culture. In similar circumstances it could be an account of our own country’s cultural displacement. The Kurdish cultures’ disruption by invasion, is a reminder that such violence can erupt anywhere in the world.
Karin, Sozan and Rosa through the unfortunate circumstance of birthright, are forced to become freedom fighters. Their psychological struggles to bear arms as women and be prepared to die, echoes the plight of women throughout history. The conflict disrupts their opportunity for education, financial and personal stability in relationships. We are swept along with their hopes and dreams, amid the reality of possible displacement, torture and/or death.
The discourse of war is reflected in the language of these women as Freedom Fighters. When Rosa removed her civilian clothing to don a uniform, she is reminded to ‘assume a new identity.’
"This is the new you Rozi. The old is gone."
The heroines seemingly become cold hearted, detached and estranged from their own society. Their actions indicate a far deeper revolution in social change for women. The conflict has forced them to transcend their own social doctrines but retain and grow valuable friendships.
As the plot progresses, the reader is able to examine the ISIS fighter through the eyes of the heroines. We discover that their enemies ideological rational are a contradiction in terms and that fanaticism and cowardice, not religion, are at the core of the ISIS belief system. "Going to heaven" ensured; "72 virgins" as a martyr.
The heroines move quickly through the impromptu battlefields on the fringes of their society. They are forced to examine the fragility of life and gain valuable wisdom by their experiences. The reason so many displaced people are forced to leave their homeland as refugees becomes apparent in the text.
When Karin had her hair cut off whilst in the army, it was symbolic of a self-liberated woman. And one of many actions that freed her from the feminine prison within her society. The death of a friend during one of the conflicts, was another catalyst for change in Karin’s life.
The reader may ponder the fate of the Kurdish women’s existence in a country still torn apart by war.
I enjoyed reading the book. I was immediately transported into the life of the young Kurdish heroines, brave enough to fight for their cultural and religious freedom. Although a fictitious account, in reality such conflict is ongoing in Syria.
Any text that provides education and awareness for women of one culture into another, is a valuable life lesson for readers of both genders. The content skimmed the heroines’ ideological roles as Kurdish women in society. But the topic highlights the necessity for dialogue to open and foreign aid to be present, when women and children are caught in conflict zones.
January 29, 2021
I am glad I have read "Where the sun rises" by Suzanne Strong. I thank Booktasters and the author for that.
For me, it was a whole journey to educate myself about the Kurdish people, their history, culture and especially their fight to protect their lands, their identity.
I enjoyed reading about courageous young women who stood up to defend their family. Their bond and friendship were really genuine. They made a lot of sacrifices and even gave their life for their comrades.
Roza is my favorite character. Her story, from being abused at home to being a married woman, a mom and then to take the arms after her husband died and join the YPJ shows that we, women, can reinvent ourselves any time the situation requires it. I am sure she found the strength to fight from the love she has for her son, Yez. I am sad that she didn't have the chance to go back to him. However, I love that Karin took over without hesitation.
Their friendship is so sincere and deep that it continues even after death.
The story ends with an optimistic note. The people were eager to rebuild their city and their lives.
This book is full of inspiration and it is easy to read. The author did an incredible job by telling this war story through women point of view. It's shown that she is really invested in the subject. I recommend it.
For me, it was a whole journey to educate myself about the Kurdish people, their history, culture and especially their fight to protect their lands, their identity.
I enjoyed reading about courageous young women who stood up to defend their family. Their bond and friendship were really genuine. They made a lot of sacrifices and even gave their life for their comrades.
Roza is my favorite character. Her story, from being abused at home to being a married woman, a mom and then to take the arms after her husband died and join the YPJ shows that we, women, can reinvent ourselves any time the situation requires it. I am sure she found the strength to fight from the love she has for her son, Yez. I am sad that she didn't have the chance to go back to him. However, I love that Karin took over without hesitation.
Their friendship is so sincere and deep that it continues even after death.
The story ends with an optimistic note. The people were eager to rebuild their city and their lives.
This book is full of inspiration and it is easy to read. The author did an incredible job by telling this war story through women point of view. It's shown that she is really invested in the subject. I recommend it.
March 11, 2021
'Where The Sun Rises' is a story about Karin based on a real story. Actually Karin is a medical student before she and Roza arranged to join Kurdish Women's Protection Units (YPJ) fighting against Daesh (ISIS) to save their homeland. I got to know this book title derived from Karin's best friend who died in war, Roza. In Kurdish, Roza means 'where the sun rises'.
On page 248, amidst conversation between Karin and her father about her teacher had said that not everyone believed women should be educated and have careers according to Islam. Let me clarify something, actually as a Muslim I have learned that Islam encourages both men and women to obtain an education and to work to have a good life. Islam has no specific statement about separating men from women in the field of education or anything. Hopeful, who reads this page understand better with this explaination.
After Roza died, Karin needs to look after her friend's son, Yez. I feel overwhelmed when Karin said to her future husband that he needs to accept Yez too as a condition to marry her.
I think the most important lesson I learned from this book is, a family is more than blood. :)
I would like to thank Suzanne Strong for sending me the copy of this book and
big thanks to BookTasters for the opportunity that I've got to make an honest review as exchange to read this book.💕
On page 248, amidst conversation between Karin and her father about her teacher had said that not everyone believed women should be educated and have careers according to Islam. Let me clarify something, actually as a Muslim I have learned that Islam encourages both men and women to obtain an education and to work to have a good life. Islam has no specific statement about separating men from women in the field of education or anything. Hopeful, who reads this page understand better with this explaination.
After Roza died, Karin needs to look after her friend's son, Yez. I feel overwhelmed when Karin said to her future husband that he needs to accept Yez too as a condition to marry her.
I think the most important lesson I learned from this book is, a family is more than blood. :)
I would like to thank Suzanne Strong for sending me the copy of this book and
big thanks to BookTasters for the opportunity that I've got to make an honest review as exchange to read this book.💕
January 24, 2020
Great Read
Suzanne Strong has written a very powerful book that will tug at your heart.
This is a story about the brave women who fought against the Daesh to save their town. An Eye-opener and a tearjerker to the way they sacrificed themselves for their comrades.
This is a book that you won't want to put down until you finish it.
Suzanne Strong has written a very powerful book that will tug at your heart.
This is a story about the brave women who fought against the Daesh to save their town. An Eye-opener and a tearjerker to the way they sacrificed themselves for their comrades.
This is a book that you won't want to put down until you finish it.
September 21, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book by the author and I am so glad I did, I learned so much! Considering I know so much about the World Wars, I am embarrassed to say that I do not know much about the ISIS war and the battle between Kobane and Dausch, nor did I know anything about the incredibly brave Kurdish women who became female fighters and joined the resistance. This book gave me so much insight me and I have gained such an admiration for the strong women in this true story about real life heroes.
What I found beautiful was the strength of these women, they lost loved ones in the most shocking, barbaric ways, which is utterly heart wrenching, and yet they became the bravest of souls and joined the fight. This book is about incredible bonds between women, true friendships, the strength of family, bravery, love, devastating loss, shock, grief and ultimately, hope! The writing is beautiful, the women incredible, it is emotional and authentic, and it is a book that should be read by many in order to educate about the brave women who stood up for the village they loved.
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