Deeply Moving

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This was a deeply moving and impactful novel of what it’s like living as a woman in the culture back under Saddam Hussein’s rule in Iraq. It was so impactful to see through the three main protagonists’ perspectives of dealing with the Mukhabarat, the secret police who give ordinary citizens no choice but to turn into spies and rat out just about anyone they knew that might be beneficial to the Mukhabarat. If they are denied, they could end up in jail, tortured or even killed. It drew out the horror of what it was like to live daily in fear. And to fear for your children’s lives and the lies you would tell and the lengths you would go through to protect them. I loved this book and feel so much more connected to a culture I didn’t know much about but am wanting to learn so much more.
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Huda is a secretary at the Australian Embassy in Iraq, a high paying job to get for an Iraqi Woman. She works for the Diplomat of the Embassy and befriends his wife, Ally. But how much of the friendship is real after the secret police visit her home and tell her she must spy on Ally and report back to them on every little detail. Huda has no choice because they put the threat in of sending her son to join the militia.

Ally, the wife of Tom; the Australian Diplomat has come seeking answers to her mother’s past who passed away when she was only 5 years old. She has her own secrets and finds friendship in Huda that she truly comes to rely on.

Then there is Rania, an old friend from Huda’s past, a sheik’s daughter. She is also worried for her daughter’s fate when she gets word that one of Saddam’s sons would like to meet her daughter.

Destiny brings all three women into each other’s lives. All three holding back something. Two who are willing to protect their children at any cost. This is a story of survival and living each day where survival is not guaranteed.